New Zealand v England 2nd Test

Ambrose is just three runs short of a maiden Test century

Warwickshire wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose became "a bit too excited" in trying for a maiden Test century after leading an England fightback in New Zealand.

England had slumped to 136-5 in the second Test before Ambrose (97 not out) and Paul Collingwood (48no) guided them to 291-5 at the close of day one.

"I thought I might get one ball in the last over that was short and wide and I could get my hands on it," he said.

"I got one but I'm afraid I tried to hit the ball a little bit too hard."

He added: "I wanted to get the hundred, not just for myself but for the crowd, who had been brilliant for the whole of the last session - I really wanted to finish the day off on a high."

606: DEBATE What did you make of England's performance?

England coach Peter Moores believes his team are in the driving seat against the Kiwis, thanks to Collingwood and Ambrose's unbeaten 155-run stand in Wellington.

"Partnerships, as always, have been the key to games of cricket because they take the momentum away from the opposition," he said.

"They've done that in that last session and put us in a very strong position."

England had slumped from 79 without loss to 136-5 and when Kevin Pietersen (31) was fifth out it looked grim for the tourists, who are 1-0 down in the series, before Ambrose lifted their mood.

Moores was full of praise for the Warwickshire player's innings.

"He played really nice, really nice. He has always been a strong cutter," said Moores who once coached Ambrose at Sussex.

"What was nice today was that he worked very hard at getting into the ball.

"After halfway through the afternoon session, when we were under pressure and they bowled well, to come out with that - still five down on a wicket that has done a bit all day - is a pretty good position."