Defence will be New Zealand’s route back into the second Test against an England side poised to build a mammoth first-innings score in Wellington on Friday.

The tourists have 500-plus in their sights after reaching 2-267 on Thursday on a flat Basin Reserve pitch.

New Zealand’s decision to bowl first was questionable and they followed it with a patchy bowling display which was feasted on by centurions Jonathan Trott (121 not out) and Nick Compton (100).

After fielding for the final 170 overs of the drawn first Test in Dunedin last week, the home attack must lift their weary bodies for damage limitation on day two, says pace bowler Tim Southee.

“They don’t play too many loose shots but if you build more pressure as a bowler then that’s when the loose shots start to creep in,” Southee said.

“We had a bit of time off between the Test matches and didn’t bowl a hell of a lot so the bodies have recharged and we’re ready to go again.”

Southee and Trent Boult were too loose with the new ball at both the start and end of day one.

It was up to Neil Wagner to remove Alastair Cook for 17 and spinner Bruce Martin to snare fellow-opener Compton for his second successive century.

Trott said he and Kevin Pietersen (18no) will seek to assert control over New Zealand from the resumption.

“It’s important we have a good first session and set up the game,” he said.

“You don’t want to undo today’s work by being a bit lazy and taking things for granted and looking too far ahead in terms of a declaration.

“That will take care of itself if we look after the first hour.”