Date-stamped : 06 Jun94 - 14:26 New Zealand v England, Test 1, 2-6 June 94 played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. ====> Day 1, 2 Jun 94 England are in a strong position after the first day as New Zea- land sruggled to an unimpressive 236-8. Recalled Phil DeFreitas was the hero of the day finishing with figures of 4-94, while Craig White got his maiden wicket with the scalp of Martin Crowe for just 17. The tourists' one bright spot in a tough day was the innings of Stephen Fleming (54) as he put on a stand of 60 with Adam Parore. Dogged tail end resistance from Matthew Hart and Dion Nash gave New Zealand some added comfort. England hero Phil DeFreitas was left tantalisingly poised on 99 Test wickets after the first day. DeFreitas, back in the side after a 12 month absence, thought he had passed the milsetone but he will be out to clinch it when play resumes. He said: "I thought I was on 97 wickets after my last Test match against Aus- tralia but hopefully I can get the 100th in the morning." The 28 year old finished the day with 4-94 and England manager Keith Fletcher said: "That's the best I have seen him bowl for a while." ====> Day 2, 3 Jun 94 GOOCH AND ATHERTON PUNISH KIWIS Graham Gooch and Mike Atherton put on a superb unbroken stand of 261 as England reached 277-1 at stumps. Gooch notched up his 20th Test ton finishing on 152, while Atherton played steadily and patiently for his 101, to put England 26 ahead. New Zealand's poor bowling display was reflected by the one dismissal that of Alec Stewart who lofted Heath Davis to mid on for eight. Earlier New Zealand were finally bowled out for 251 after a dogged tail end stand of 55 from Matthew Hart and Dion Nash. The vastly experienced Graham Gooch admitted to a few butterflies in his stomach as he waited to come to the crease at Trent Bridge. Gooch batting in the unfamiliar number three spot, soon dispelled those pre-match jitters as he went on to an unbeaten 152. He said: "I was a little bit nervous before my innings. I have opened all my career and waiting around is a little bit foreign. I'm not exactly an up and coming player but I still en- joy batting and I like to prove I am the best." Contributed by goo-chie (jdw5@*.ukc.ac.uk)