Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
England vs New Zealand Test action at The Oval moved firmly New Zealand’s way as Daryl Mitchell and Nathan Smith took the visitors to 345-6 at lunch, stretching their lead to 445 runs.
England improved with the ball after a poor opening day, but New Zealand still controlled the match through Henry Nicholls’ 121, Mitchell’s unbeaten 66 and Smith’s lively 30. The position matters because England are missing several senior figures and now face a huge chase to stay alive in the contest.
For more cricket coverage, read Australia vs Netherlands Women’s T20 World Cup: Mooney And Gardner Power Huge Total, while official match and competition details are available through the International Cricket Council website.
Archer Gives England A Lift
Jofra Archer gave England early hope when he removed Nicholls for 121, with Harry Brook taking the catch at second slip.
Archer later struck again when Glenn Phillips edged to Jacob Bethell at gully for three, giving England a rare burst of control. The fast bowler’s spell had pace and movement, but New Zealand’s lead was already moving into match-winning territory.
New Zealand Keep Scoring
Sonny Baker then removed Tom Blundell for 16 after James Rew completed the catch following a juggle at leg slip.
Mitchell stayed composed and moved to 66, while Smith attacked before lunch with clean hitting against Bethell and Baker. New Zealand reached 345-6 from 81 overs, leaving England with a mountain to climb.
England’s bowling was tighter than it had been earlier in the match, but the field changes and delayed use of the new ball raised questions over Joe Root’s captaincy.
The hosts were already weakened by the absences of Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith. That left Root managing a reshaped side against a settled New Zealand team.