Jimmy Anderson finally managed to dislodge Rutherford with his first delivery with the new ball, but the damage was already done.
By the time the umpires decided the light wasn’t sufficient to continue New Zealand were sitting pretty on 402-7, with a 300 run lead looking more than possible.
Anderson’s 4-108 was perhaps the only silver lining on another day of toil for England who look like they’ve been out of test match mode for too long.
Rutherford’s imperious 171 off just 217 balls was remarkable for its poise and variety, and with a curtailed schedule, has put New Zealand in a great position in the match.
Rutherford was ably supported by fellow debutant Peter Fulton and latterly Kane Williamson, before a loose ball from Anderson, well wide of off stump, caught a leading edge as Ruthford looked to nudge it down to fine leg, sending it looping into the hands of Chris Woakes at square leg.
Brendon McCullum and Tim Southee did a good job of twisting the knife, with quickfire innings of 44 and 25 respectively.
The Black Caps will do into the fourth day looking to add to their overnight lead, before surely aiming for a day and half’s go at England’s batsman.
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