Fulton hits maiden ton as England thwarted

Reuters: Peter Fulton scored his maiden test century as he anchored New Zealand to an impressive 250 for one at the close of the first day of the series-deciding third test against England at Eden Park on Friday.

Fulton, who shared in a 79-run opening partnership with Hamish Rutherford (37), was unbeaten on 124 with Kane Williamson on 83 at stumps after England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and put the hosts in.

The 22-year-old Williamson, in sight of his fourth test century, joined Fulton just five minutes before lunch and the pair combined to frustrate the England attack with a patient 171-run stand. The hosts were 173 for one when they resumed after the tea break and Fulton moved to 99 when he got up on his toes and pulled a short Steven Finn delivery to the midwicket boundary.