Henry strikes as New Zealand tighten grip on England after Phillips’ maiden test ton

Fast bowler Matt Henry produced a decisive spell late on day two to put New Zealand firmly in control of the second Test against England at The Oval on Thursday, after Glenn Phillips celebrated the first Test century of his career.

England closed the day on 222-6 in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 391, still trailing by 169 runs with only four wickets remaining. Henry, who had battled back spasms during the opening Test at Lord’s, dismissed stand-in captain Joe Root and vice-captain Harry Brook in quick succession to swing momentum back in New Zealand’s favour.

The visitors began the day with Phillips resuming his innings and eventually reaching a memorable maiden Test hundred. The dynamic all-rounder, often nicknamed the “Energiser Bunny” by teammate Daryl Mitchell, brought up the milestone with a single off Jofra Archer before falling for exactly 100.

Phillips received valuable support from Kyle Jamieson, whose 41 helped New Zealand add crucial lower-order runs. Their eighth-wicket stand of 87 exposed England’s inconsistent bowling and poor fielding, with Ben Duckett dropping Jamieson on 15 at deep midwicket.

England’s bowlers relied heavily on short-pitched deliveries, but the tactic backfired as Phillips and Jamieson accelerated the scoring. New Zealand eventually posted 391, giving themselves a strong platform in the match.

England’s reply began positively, with Ben Duckett racing to 36 from just 25 balls. However, his promising innings ended in unusual fashion when Nathan Smith produced a direct hit from mid-off to run him out after a mix-up with opening partner Emilio Gay.

Smith then struck again by removing Jacob Bethell, leaving England under pressure at 68-2. Gay responded well, compiling a composed 53 and registering his second half-century in as many Tests. However, his innings ended when he edged a lifting delivery from Will O’Rourke behind to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell.

With England rebuilding, Root and Brook appeared set to take control. Brook entertained the crowd with a stunning six over point, while Root looked fluent during his 46-run knock.

Just as the partnership threatened to shift the balance, Henry delivered a game-changing spell. Using subtle movement off the seam, he trapped Root lbw before dismissing Brook in similar fashion moments later. The double blow reduced England from a solid position to 177-5.

Debutant wicketkeeper James Rew contributed 24 before gloving an attempted pull shot off O’Rourke to slip, while Jordan Cox remained unbeaten on 22 at stumps.

For New Zealand, Henry finished the day with figures of 2-57, while O’Rourke also claimed two wickets. With England still significantly behind and their tail exposed, the visitors will head into day three holding a commanding advantage in the contest. Phillips’ landmark century and Henry’s timely breakthroughs have put New Zealand in a strong position to level the three-match series after England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s.