England in New Zealand, 2013

England captain Alastair Cook breathed a sigh of relief that his side managed to scrape out a nail-biting draw in the series-deciding third test against New Zealand on Tuesday, though disappointment was the over-riding emotion.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior produced a belligerent century to ensure England saved the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Eden Park.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum shrugged his shoulders and tutted slightly as he sat down to face the media after the final day of the test series against England on Tuesday.

England captain Alastair Cook breathed a sigh of relief that his side managed to scrape out a nail-biting draw in the series-deciding third test against New Zealand on Tuesday, though disappointment was the over-riding emotion.

Losing two wickets late in the day was not a disaster for England but they would need to work hard to slowly overhaul New Zealand's first innings of 443 on the third day of the series deciding third test, fast bowler Steven Finn said.

"A mixture of excitement and relief is a good way of putting it," a downbeat Fulton told reporters at the conclusion of the first day at Eden Park when his unbeaten 124 had helped his side to a impressive 250 for one.

A dogged century from Peter Fulton and a gritty unbeaten 83 from Kane Williamson helped New Zealand grind the England attack on Day 1 of the 3rd and final Test in Auckland.

New Zealand have included paceman Doug Bracewell in a 14-man squad for the third and final Test against England which gets underway in Auckland from the 22nd of March.

England and Surrey batsman Kevin Pietersen has been ruled out of the remaining Test against New Zealand commencing Friday March 22 due to an injury to his right knee.

Despite the penetration exhibited by England's fast-bowling trio late on Friday, both Prior and Martin agreed the pitch, while still a good one to bat on, could provide the England left arm spinner with some decent opportunities.