England labour as Henry Nicholls century builds huge New Zealand lead on day three of Oval Test
New Zealand assumed complete control of the second Test as Henry Nicholls' century punished England errors on another day of frustration in the field at The Oval.
Nicholls claimed an 11th Test ton, finishing the day unbeaten on 119, after an innings-shifting 161-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra (76 off 99 balls) resurrected New Zealand from 28-2 following the early loss of openers Tom Latham (4) and Devon Conway (11).
Another fifty stand between Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell (33 not out off 43) added to England's plight before a forgettable day was done, with the Black Caps reaching stumps on 252-3, a whopping 352 runs ahead.
England, inspired by Matt Fisher's unbeaten 50, had managed to cut New Zealand's lead to 100 before being bowled out for 291 on the stroke of lunch, but they were haunted by a string of missed opportunities.
Ravindra was dropped on seven by James Rew and survived on 67 when Emilio Gay failed to catch him at short leg, while debut wicketkeeper Rew also failed to snaffle a difficult chance when Nicholls was in the forties.
More to follow.
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21 of June 2026
