Bairstow praises Wood after pair save England

Jonny Bairstow made an unbeaten 97 and shared in an eighth-wicket stand of 95 with Mark Wood, who hit 52, as the tourists rallied from 164 for seven to finish day one of the second Test against New Zealand on 290 for eight

A modest Jonny Bairstow paid tribute to the contribution of Mark Wood after the pair's resurrection job for England on Good Friday in Christchurch.

Bairstow made an unbeaten 97 and shared in an eighth-wicket stand of 95 with Wood, who hit 52, as the tourists rallied from 164 for seven to finish day one of the second Test against New Zealand on 290 for eight.

Despite playing the leading role at the Hagley Oval, Bairstow was quick to praise his batting partner, who made his first Test half-century.

"What a character. It's always good fun to bat with him. He played some absolutely brilliant shots," the Yorkshireman told Sky Sports.

"He blocked the straight ones, hit the wide ones and ducked the short ones.

Day 2: New Zealand trail by 115 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the innings

Yes! The umpires are saying that's it... New Zealand secure the draw! Sodhi punches the air, walks off to generous applause; the eighth-wicket pair batted through more than 31 overs to seal the series, their first victory over England since 1999! Williamson shakes Sodhi's hand, slaps him on the back, beaming through his beard... England can't say they didn't have a fair old crack, but NZ hang on, with two wickets in the bank