Nicholls century and dropped catches leave England facing steep chase in second Test

Morning collapse and tail-end resistance

England resumed on 222 for six and quickly lost three wickets for three runs to Matt Henry (five for 80) before lunch. At 238 for nine, the follow‑on was looming, but Matthew Fisher and debutant Sonny Baker added 53 for the last wicket. Fisher, playing his second Test and four years after facing five scoreless balls in Barbados, struck a maiden unbeaten half‑century. Still, England were all out for 291, trailing by 100.

Rew’s difficult day behind the stumps

England needed early breakthroughs when New Zealand batted again, and Josh Tongue obliged with two quick wickets. But the game tipped when James Rew dived low to his left and grassed an edge from Rachin Ravindra on seven. Later, Henry Nicholls gloved a bouncer down leg and Rew could only parry it over his head. The debutant wicketkeeper also conceded 22 byes in the first innings and was bounced out cheaply the previous evening. Interim captain Joe Root, leading after Ben Stokes’ enforced absence, watched his young side’s error count mount.

In this game in particular … key moments we’ve just not got right. But you can’t change that, and the New Zealanders have capitalised on it.

Ravindra and Nicholls build a mountain

Reprieved, Ravindra grew into the innings and shared a 161‑run stand with Nicholls, who had stepped into the No. 3 role vacated by the retired Kane Williamson. Ravindra’s elegant 76, his sixth Test half‑century, was ended by Jacob Bethell’s left‑arm spin. Nicholls carried on to his 11th Test hundred, remaining unbeaten at stumps on 119. The pair batted through a sappingly hot afternoon and turned a platform into a dominant position.

That partnership, it wasn’t easy in periods. They had to absorb a little bit and then they chose their moments.

Match state and series outlook

New Zealand closed the day on 252 for three, leading by 352 with seven wickets in hand. England need the highest successful fourth‑innings chase at the Oval to win and level the series at 1‑1; last summer they fell six runs short of 374 against India at the same ground. With the forecast heatwave continuing, the pitch remains solid, but the errors, the absence of Stokes, and the tourists’ firm control suggest the series will go to a decider at Trent Bridge.