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2d ago

New Zealand Dominate at The Oval as England Struggle Without Stokes

Disciplinary exclusions have forced England into rapid selection changes, leaving a weakened side trailing by about 350 runs.

Cricket - England v New Zealand - Second Test - Kia Oval, London, Britain - June 18, 2026 New Zealand's Glenn Phillips celebrates after reaching his century Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Cricket - England v New Zealand - Second Test - Kia Oval, London, Britain - June 19, 2026 England's Matthew Fisher celebrates after reaching his half century Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
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New Zealand's Henry Nicholls celebrates reaching his century on day three of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand, in London, Friday June 19, 2026. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

Overview

  • England left out Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson after a late-night curfew breach and an internal investigation, forcing five changes to the XI and three Test debutants.
  • Glenn Phillips hit his maiden Test century on Thursday to help New Zealand post 391 in the first innings while Jacob Bethell provided unexpected spin success with three wickets.
  • England replied with resistance from Emilio Gay and Joe Root but were bowled out for 291, and New Zealand then extended their lead on day three courtesy of Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century.
  • Jofra Archer returned from the IPL to spearhead England's attack and produced notable pace spells, while debutant Sonny Baker and Matthew Fisher showed promise with wickets and a fighting fifty respectively.
  • The result leaves New Zealand firmly in control of the second Test and puts pressure on England's leadership and selection ahead of the final match of the three-Test series.