New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell (L) hit 84 to frustrate England in the first Test

Christchurch (New Zealand) (AFP) - A defiant Daryl Mitchell anchored New Zealand to 254 in their second innings to set England 104 to win the first Test in Christchurch on Sunday.

Mitchell was the last man out for a battling 84 with the scheduled lunch break on day four delayed 15 minutes until the innings closed.

Brydon Carse took 6-42 to add to his first innings 4-64.

England felt the end was close when they reduced the hosts to 209-9.

But they were frustrated by number 11 Will O’Rourke (five not out) staying with Mitchell for 13 overs in a 45-run partnership.

New Zealand resumed at 155-6, a mere four runs ahead, and took the score to 190 before Carse struck twice in the one over.

Nathan Smith advanced to 21, playing through a barrage of short deliveries before a fuller ball from Carse nipped back and rapped into his pads.

The 29-year-old Carse, in only his third Test, took his fifth wicket of the innings four balls later with a similar delivery that accounted for Matt Henry (one).

Tim Southee smacked two sixes off Gus Atkinson before he was caught by Joe Root on the boundary for 12 swinging for a third.

Mitchell posted the top score with 12 fours and a six in his 14th Test half-century.