Taylor leads New Zealand fightback

Ross Taylor led a staunch New Zealand fightback as they overcame an early collapse to be 171 for three at tea on the first day of the first Test on Tuesday.

Taylor, on 85, was in sight on his fifth Test century after rescuing New Zealand with a 117-run partnership with Martin Guptill.

Guptill was out for 60 after posting his maiden Test half century while Peter Fulton was not out for seven.

New Zealand put on 96 for the loss of one wicket in the middle session, after struggling to score 75 for two before lunch after being sent into bat.

Taylor and Guptill's century stand pulled New Zealand out of the mire after a disastrous start which saw Tim McIntosh bowled on the first ball of the innings and Daniel Flynn caught behind five overs later.

New Zealand were then two for 27 and Pakistan had their tails up after winning the toss and electing to bowl on a pitch notorious for favouring the quicks.

Teenage firebrand Mohammad Aamir rewarded his captain when he yorked Tim McIntosh with the first ball.

Mohammad Asif then celebrated his return to the Test arena after a two-year absence because of injury and a drug scandal by claiming the wicket of Flynn.

Flynn had moved to eight from two boundaries before he played down the wrong line to Asif and sent an inside edge direct to wicketkeeper Kamram Akmal.

Two further chances went begging in the morning session when Guptill was dropped twice on 26.

His first escape was a regulation catch to first slip which went straight through Imran Farhat's hands, and then Gul misjudged a chance on the fine-leg boundary which landed just over for six.

Gul had been the tightest of the Pakistan bowlers and pinned down New Zealand batting anchor Taylor early as he sent down seven maidens in his first nine overs before Taylor cast off the shackles by taking 14 off the 10th over.

The 25-year-old Taylor, now recognised as the senior New Zealand batsman with Jesse Ryder sidelined by injury, has scored 11 fours and a six in his 85.

Guptill faced 142 balls for his 60 which included 10 fours and one six before he top-edged Aamir and was caught by Fawad Alam at square leg

For Pakistan, the 17-year-old Aamir has been the most successful bowler with two for 45 off 14 overs while Asif has one for 48.

Gul, who was economical through his opening spell, loosened up after lunch and has none for 37 after 13 overs.