Jones was caught just three balls after reaching his hundred

Jones, who displaced Chris Read in the spring because of his batting ability, struck 100 to help England establish a 117-run first-innings lead.

New Zealand then lost four wickets in 20 balls to crumble to 102-5 at stumps.

Jones said: "It's a very special day, not just for me but for the team as well. Hopefully I've set up a win."

Having struck 15 fours and a six, Jones - born in Papua New Guinea to Welsh parents - now boasts an impressive average of 64.66 from his first four Test innings.

He is also the 10th England wicket-keeper to register a century.

Jones dominated a century stand with Andrew Flintoff, who made 94, going on to reach his hundred off 143 balls in only his third Test.

"It's not every day you get the chance to score a Test hundred," he added.

"The times I've gone in before for England have required a deal of batting from me, and they are the situations I excel in.

"It was the same case today. I wanted to battle for the team and get us into a great position.

"There was a few streaky shots on my behalf but 'Freddie' was fantastic and we've formed a good little friendship together.

"We really enjoy batting together."

Of the selectors' at-the-time controversial decision to drop Read and pick him, Jones said: "It's up to me to prove them right.