England secured the toss and picked batting first at the home of cricket, with Ben Stokes returning after a brief absence.
New Zealand struggled early as their pace duo of Trent Henry and Neil Phillips missed the game due to latest fitness issues, testing their lineup against a refreshed England side.
The absence of Henry, a pace spearhead and Phillips, a rising star in the attack, left New Zealand with limited options as England aimed to dominate the opening session under clear skies.