England made their intention clear that Nick Compton will continue as Alastair Cook's Test opening partner, but could have done with a few more runs from him to vindicate their decision.

Compton (21) came through 12 testing overs against the new ball after England had been put in by a New Zealand XI at the start of the four-day match at the Queenstown Events Centre ground.

But he got no further before becoming the first of three wickets for first-change Jimmy Neesham, and instead it was down principally to Cook (60) to underpin England's teatime 195 for four.

Compton departed five runs short of a sixth 50 stand in 10 attempts with Cook since they began their partnership in India three-and-a-half months ago.