In a cricket Test where New Zealand’s two new faces have starred, it’s fitting that Hamish Rutherford nominates teammate Bruce Martin as the man England should fear most in Dunedin.

New Zealand lead by 235 runs on the first innings with three wickets in hand entering day four of the first Test at University Oval on Saturday.

They hope the wet weather that washed out the entire first day and the final 32 overs on Friday has passed as they chase a ninth win in 95 Tests against the English.

Opener Rutherford, who stroked a memorable 171, is heartened by signs of the pitch wearing on day three as New Zealand reached 7-402.

Rutherford says fellow-debutant Bruce Martin, who spun out four English batsmen on Thursday, will have taken keen interest in one particular delivery from England tweaker Monty Panesar.

“Monty got one to spin in that last session so thats encouraging for Bucko (Martin) and it did look like the odd one was bouncing and the odd one shooting through,” Rutherford said.

“So it might be getting to the period where its starting to (play) a little bit funny. The weather going our way would be nice for once and we will see what happens.”

Captain Brendon McCullum resumes on 44 and Martin on 17.

England seamer James Anderson says early wickets are important, followed by a much-improved batting effort on their first-up 167.

“First of all we have to get three wickets, which might not be easy with someone like McCullum at the crease,” he said.

“We have to make sure guys get in on this pitch, no pitch is easy when you first go in. Once guys get in they have to get their heads down.”