England say the lessons have been learned from their senseless first innings as they eye another comfortable day at the crease to ensure the first cricket Test against New Zealand in Dunedin is drawn.

The tourists still trail by 59 runs but have nine second-innings wickets in hand after centuries to openers Alastair Cook and Nick Compton on Saturday spoiled the Black Caps’ push for victory.

Given the sedate nature of the University Oval, England are confident of building considerably on their 1-234 after the world No.2 ranked side had stared at an embarrassing 293-run first innings deficit.

Maiden centurion Compton, who was on 102, said they were driven to redeem themselves after the self-destruction for 167 on Thursday.

“We put ourselves in this position, we’re well aware of that,” he said.

“We weren’t good enough in the first innings and New Zealand were right on it. They batted brilliantly, they bowled well.

“So it was a bit of a kick up the proverbial, if you know what I mean. It was a case of really trying to get back into it.”

Compton will resume with scoreless nightwatchman Steven Finn after captain Cook was dismissed late in the day for a composed 116, his 24th Test ton.

The only New Zealand bowler to sample success was left-arm seamer Trent Boult, who said any hope of forcing victory relied on making the most of the shine that is still on the second new ball early on Sunday.

“We knew we had a good opening day but also that they’d come back strong, and so it was,” a disappointed Boult said.