ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Day 2: Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry spin England at the Oval

New Zealand took command of the second Test at The Oval on Thursday after Glenn Phillips’ maiden century and a disciplined pace attack left England struggling at 222 for six at stumps on day two.

After resuming at 291 for seven, the visitors stretched their first innings total to 391, while Phillips turned 49 into a memorable hundred overnight before the New Zealand seamen tore through England’s top order to take control of the contest.

England closed the day still 169 runs short with only Jordan Cox and the lower order left to salvage the innings.

ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Day 2: Highlights | Scorecard

Phillips was the architect of New Zealand’s strong position. The all-rounder withstood a ferocious spell from Jofra Archer late on the opening day and bounced back on Thursday to complete his maiden Test century. His knock had special significance because it came on the eve of the anniversary of his father’s death.

“That made it pretty special. That was one for him,” Phillips said after reaching three figures. Glenn Phillips scored 100 off 135 balls for New Zealand at The Oval. (Image: Reuters)

The 28-year-old found little resistance from England’s bowlers, who persisted with a flurry of short deliveries that often missed their target. Phillips shared 87 runs with Kyle Jamieson who added a valuable 41 after dropping him Ben Duckett at the start of his innings.

By the time New Zealand took to the bowling just before lunch, they had added a crucial 100 runs to their overnight total.

ENGLAND’S TOP RANKINGS CALKA

England’s reply got off to a bright start through Duckett, who made 36 from just 25 deliveries before his innings ended in a costly tangle. Emilio Gay called for a single that never was and Nathan Smith produced a direct hit that sent Duckett back to the pavilion.

Gay continued his impressive start to Test cricket, working his way to 53. His half-century came from 112 deliveries, the slowest England fifty in the Baseball era behind Ben Stokes and Brendan McCullum.

But New Zealand’s relentless attack never allowed England to settle. Matt Henry got rid of both Joe Root and Harry Brook. (Image: Reuters)

Matt Henry, who struggled with cramp during the first Test defeat at Lord’s, dealt the decisive blows. He caught Joe Root lbw for 46, denying the former captain the milestone of 14,000 Test runs, before removing Harry Brook in similar fashion.

Brook briefly lit up the innings with a stunning meter from Will O’Rourke, but Henry’s movement and accuracy proved too much.

NEW ZEALAND FINISHES STRONG

As England faltered, debutants James Rew and Jordan Cox offered some resistance through a promising partnership. Rew looked comfortable on 24 and survived one chance when Rachin Ravindra spilled a catch.

But O’Rourke struck short before the stumps, forcing Rew into the glove of Daryl Mitchell and ensuring New Zealand finished the day firmly on top.

Cox remained unbeaten on 22 but with England’s batting all but depleted, the hosts face a significant challenge to avoid a significant first innings deficit.

New Zealand, 1-0 up in the three-match series after the defeat at Lord’s, could hardly have scripted a better response. England, meanwhile, will need something special on day three to regain momentum.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

19 Jun 2026 02:16 IST