Tim Southee backs New Zealand bowling attack to come good after first-Test defeat

A depleted and underperforming attack were swatted to all corners of Bay Oval during the first Test and the skipper has urged his side to take their opportunities

New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee has backed his bowling attack to quell England's aggressive approach with the bat.

The tourists confirmed a 267-run success in the first Test at Mount Maunganui on Sunday (February 19) - a result again defined by their batting excellence.

England scored at 5.28 an over across both innings, their third best run rate during Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes' tenure in charge.

A Kiwi attack without Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry and Trent Boult were unable to stem the tide, with Neil Wagner returning match figures of 6 for 192 - the worst of his Test career.

To compound his humiliation, the left-armer's second-innings economy rate of 8.46 goes down as the second worst in Test history (10 overs minimum).

Neil Wagner claimed six wickets but took plenty of punishment along the way (MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Victims of this policy at the start of the last English summer, India, South Africa and Pakistan have also been on the wrong end of the fresh approach, but Southee is confident his side can find an answer during the second Test at Basin Reserve.

"Their style of play is going to present opportunities and we knew that," Southee, who remains winless as Test captain, said.

"We were able to get nine wickets in the first innings, and in the second innings, we got all 10.

"But it's about trying to stem the bleeding in between those wickets, and trying to create those chances as often as we can."

Henry missed the Test to attend the birth of his first child and should he be available is expected to come back in, with either of the debutants Blair Tickner or Scott Kuggeleijn likely to drop out.

Southee is confident England will continue to serve up opportunities (MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)

Southee believes that while England's batters can quickly change the momentum of a Test, they also create opportunities for the opposition. Joe Root was dismissed in both innings reverse sweeping and there were cheap dismissals for Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes too.

"As a bowling side, you're excited coming up against it – it presents opportunities as well," Southee added.

"There's only one way they’re going to play ... so as a bowling group, we know we've got to be better. 

"You feel in the game the whole time – it may not feel like it at times, but with the nature they are playing, if we hang tough and are a little bit more disciplined, then things can go our way."

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