New Zealand Cricket

Joe Root admits uncertainty surrounds the England captaincy after deputising for Ben Stokes in a chastening 253-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test.

England were beaten by 253 runs at The Oval as New Zealand levelled the series 1-1. Jamie Hall delivers his verdict on every member of Joe Root's side.

Matt Henry claimed 11 wickets in the match as New Zealand swept aside England's lower order inside the first hour of day five to win by 253 runs at The Oval, levelling the series at 1-1.

Joe Root is holding England together in the second Test at The Oval, but a world-record target of 463 makes final-day survival look the best realistic outcome for the hosts.

Joe Root stood firm with an unbeaten 75 to keep England's hopes alive in the second Test against New Zealand, as the hosts closed day four on 182-5 chasing a record 463.

With England 352 runs adrift of New Zealand at The Oval, two of the country's most celebrated former captains are calling on Ben Stokes' side to shelve any ambitions of a run chase and bat for survival.

Henry Nicholls' unbeaten century has handed New Zealand an imposing 352-run lead with seven wickets remaining, leaving England facing a monumental challenge on day four at The Oval.

England find themselves in serious trouble at The Oval, closing day two of the second Test on 222-6 and trailing New Zealand by 169 runs after a string of poor decisions with bat and ball.

England find themselves 222-6 and 169 runs adrift after a calamitous second day at The Oval, featuring a crucial dropped catch, baffling tactics, and a magnificent Glenn Phillips century.

Sonny Baker announced himself on the Test stage by removing Rachin Ravindra for 33, helping England reduce New Zealand to 107-4 on the opening day of the second Test at The Oval.

New Zealand closed day one of the second Test at The Oval on 291-7 after Jacob Bethell claimed two late wickets to hand England a foothold in what remains a finely balanced contest.

England showed admirable character on day one of the second Test at The Oval, restricting New Zealand to 291-7 despite the off-field chaos surrounding Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.