Blackcaps fast bowler Kyle Jamieson's return to test cricket took its next step on Wednesday, finishing as the pick of the bowlers for the New Zealand XI in their tour pink ball warm-up match against England.
Returning to long-form cricket for the first time since June, when he injured his back against England in Nottingham, Jamieson got through 15 overs on the opening day at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
The 28-year-old took figures of 3/65 on day one, as England were bowled out for a mammoth 465 from only 69.2 overs.
Jamieson struck the first blow in the day's ninth over when he had opener Ben Duckett caught at second slip by NZ XI captain Tom Bruce for 32 and returned in the second session to remove Dan Lawrence for a rapid 85 from only 55 balls - also caught by Bruce.
Six overs later, Jamieson removed Will Jacks for 18 for his third dismissal caught behind the wicket of the day, this time seeing Jacob Cumming complete the catch.
Getting through 15 overs is a promising sign for Jamieson, still on his way back to full fitness.
The tall right-arm bowler is part of the Blackcaps' 14-man squad to face England in two tests - but will only play one of them as a precaution for his back injury.
Meanwhile, the touring England side will be pleased with their first innings - seeing several of their key batters spend time in the middle.
Half-centuries to former captain Joe Root (77), Harry Brook (97), Lawrence (85) and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (57) all came at strike rates above 70, as England piled on the runs at Seddon Park.
Brook's knock in particular stood out, including five consecutive sixes off young Auckland spinner Adithya Ashok (1/82).
The 23-year-old's innings came to an end just shy of a century when he was caught by Quinn Sunde off Jarrod McKay (3/72), three runs short of triple figures.
Both sides will return to the field on Thursday, where the NZ XI will bat.
Blackcap Will Young has been named to bat at No.3 for the NZ XI, as he looks to play his way into the reckoning for a spot in the New Zealand order for the first test against England, starting next Thursday.
England 465 all out (Brook 97, Lawrence 85, Root 77, Foakes 57; Jamieson 3/65)
