Nicholls century puts New Zealand in control against England at The Oval
9 verified4 unconfirmed
New Zealand ended day three of the second Test at The Oval with a commanding lead of 352 runs. Henry Nicholls scored an unbeaten 119, his 11th Test century, after New Zealand had been reduced to 28-2 early in their second innings. Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra (76) added 161 runs for the third wicket to seize control of the match. England were earlier bowled out for 291 in their first innings, with number nine Matt Fisher scoring a maiden Test half-century off 76 balls. Debutant wicketkeeper James Rew dropped two difficult catches, reprieving Ravindra when he had seven and Nicholls when he was on 42. Matt Henry took a five-wicket haul for New Zealand, dismissing Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue. New Zealand finished the day on 252-3, with Daryl Mitchell unbeaten on 32, while England’s stand-in captain Joe Root led a team missing several senior players.
What’s verified
Henry Nicholls scored 119 not out, his 11th Test century.
New Zealand lead by 352 runs with seven wickets remaining, ending day three at 252-3.
Rachin Ravindra made 76 off 99 balls, adding 161 with Nicholls.
England were bowled out for 291 in their first innings, losing the lead by 100 runs.
Matt Fisher scored an unbeaten 50, his maiden Test half-century, batting at number nine.
James Rew, making his Test debut, dropped Ravindra (on 7) and Nicholls (on 42).
Matt Henry took a five-wicket haul for New Zealand, including the wickets of Cox, Archer, and Tongue.
Daryl Mitchell was 32 not out at stumps.
Jacob Bethell dismissed Ravindra lbw in the second innings.
Not yet confirmed
Ben Stokes’ absence from the England team, his return to action for Durham, and the possibility of his return for the third Test are reported by only one source.
Joe Root’s tactical frustrations, including a fielding miscommunication with Emilio Gay, appear in a single report.
The specific detail that England made five changes and three new caps, and that James Rew replaced Jamie Smith (on paternity leave), comes from a single source.
Quotes from Michael Atherton, Simon Doull, and Henry Nicholls after play are only provided in one source.
Key figures
Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, James Rew, Matt Fisher, Sonny Baker, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes.
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
