Butcher played despite breaking his thumb in the last Test

But left-handers Trescothick and Butcher settled into a partnership of 37 against the home side's inexperienced attack.

That was until Trescothick fell to an ill-conceived shot off spinner Daniel Vettori, caught by Lou Vincent at midwicket.

The opener was looking to repeat a slog-sweep that had gained four runs off the previous delivery, but second time around it was wider and gained a top edge high in the air.

Trescothick's 37 came from 68 deliveries, with seven fours.

Young pace corps

Drum's opening partner Ian Butler was pulled out of the attack after just four overs after he over-stepped to be no-balled on five occasions.

His recovery could be crucial in an an attack lacking Chris Cairns, who tore a tendon in his right knee during the first Test and will be out for two months.

Butler suffered serious no-ball trouble

Pace bowler Chris Martin came into the side for the all-rounder and impressed early with his probing line across the left-handers.

New Zealand were strengthened by the inclusion of Vettori after the left-arm spinner satisfied selectors he had sufficiently recovered from back trouble.

Hussain claimed not to be overly disappointed to have lost the toss but admitted that his batsmen could have difficulty early on.

The rain of the first day stopped before the scheduled start on day two, with blue skies but still a strong wind to dry the field.

But umpires Darrell Hair and Steve Dunne were concerned by wet and muddy areas close to the pitch and in the bowlers' run-ups.

And it was not until an inspection in mid-afternoon that they finally appeared satisfied, allowing play to begin at 3.30pm local time.