England vs. New Zealand 2nd Test: Matt Henry takes 11 wickets as Kiwis win Oval Test to level series

New Zealand’s Matt Henry (Ben Whitley/PA via AP) NEW DELHI: New Zealand produced an impressive performance to beat England by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval on Sunday to level the series and decide in Nottingham from Thursday.After suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test at Lord’s, the visitors responded in emphatic fashion to level the series at 1-1. England went on to 182-5 on the fifth and final day, needing an improbable 463 runs to win, but their hopes were dashed in 48 minutes when they were bowled out for 209.Fast bowler Matt Henry was the main architect of New Zealand’s victory, producing a remarkable display to win the match by ten wickets. The right-arm pacer produced a masterclass in accuracy and discipline, finishing with figures of 6-29 in the second innings.Henry was virtually unplayable on the final morning, taking five wickets while conceding just three runs in a devastating spell that lasted 5.1 overs. His effort followed an equally impressive performance in the first innings where he took 5-80.The combined haul gave Henry match figures of 11-109, the best ever recorded by a New Zealand bowler against England in Test cricket. The feat also marked the first 10-wicket haul of his Test career, achieved in his 35th appearance in the format.New Zealand’s convincing win ensured the series remained alive after England’s dominant performance in the first Test. With both sides recording comprehensive victories, attention now shifts to Nottingham where the third and final Test promises to be a winner-takes-all clash as the teams battle it out for the series titles.