Somerset v New Zealand: Tourists recover after poor start at Taunton

BJ Watling has played in 29 Test matches for New Zealand, scoring 1,578 runs at an average of 37.56

BJ Watling scored an unbeaten half-century as New Zealand recovered after a poor start against Somerset on the first day of their opening tour match.

The tourists fell to 44-2 and then 133-6 before wicketkeeper Watling scored 52 not out to take them to 202-7 on a rain-affected day at Taunton.

Tim Groenewald was the pick of the Somerset bowlers, taking 3-53.

Play did not start until 12:30 BST and only 59 overs were bowled before bad light ended the play early.

New Zealand's side included eight players from their squad that will play two Tests against England later this month.

However, they were without Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson, all of whom are still playing in the Indian Premier League.

Martin Guptill was also missing after he suffered a side strain while playing for Derbyshire.

Josh Davey had opener Tom Latham caught behind by Alex Barrow before dismissing the dangerous Hamish Rutherford, who scored 37 off 36 deliveries.

Somerset, bottom of Division One of the County Championship, continued their fine start to this four-day match as Groenewald dismissed Mitchell Santner and Luke Ronchi.

Jim Allenby then had Ross Taylor caught behind on 32, before trapping Mark Craig lbw, but Watling compiled a patient 52 off 96 deliveries.

New Zealand have a four-day game against Worcestershire next week before the first Test against England at Lord's starts on 21 May.