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Black Caps look to go big

Martin Guptill cautiously satisfied with his return after two years away from Test side

The Black Caps are looking to pile on the runs after finishing day two of the first Test against England at Lord's in a strong position at 303 for two, opener Martin Guptill says.

New Zealand trail the hosts by 86 runs, after bowling England out for 389 early on the second day.

"We've got eight wickets in hand and we're not too far behind," Guptill, who was recalled to the Black Caps Test year after a two-year absence, said.

"Hopefully we can go big and just bat the once, and hopefully our bowlers can rock and roll them."

Guptill and Tom Latham put on 148 for the first wicket as England's bowlers found precious little of the aerial movement the Black Caps exploited throughout day one.

In his first Test innings for almost two years, Guptill batted as if he had never been absent, scoring 70 before being well caught by Gary Ballance at cover off Stuart Broad.

Image Id: ~/media/2AEEE2456FFC4656B9A7F1910DD211FEMartin Guptill helped the Black Caps close in on England // Getty Images

Guptill was cautiously satisfied with his effort, but said the Black Caps had experienced how quickly conditions could change, and couldn't afford to relax.

Stuart Broad tore the Black Caps apart with 7-44 in the second innings as the New Zealanders fell to a 170-run loss when the teams last met at Lord's two years ago.

"It's a good start, but we know that can change very quickly with the conditions over here," Guptill said.

"I just wanted to bat the way I have been batting in the last few weeks, and I think I did that.

"My decision-making was a lot better than it has been in previous Test matches."

Guptill said the pitch was starting to flatten out, and had slowed as the day progressed.

"It's going to be tough going on day four and five, but if we can put up a big first innings total, get a good lead and put some pressure on England next time round, then I think we should be in a good position."

New Zealand will begin day three with Kane Williamson within sight of a 10th Test century on 92, batting alongside Ross Taylor on 47.