(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Matt Henry strikes twice as New Zealand build strong position against England after Glenn Phillips century
LONDON: New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry produced a key spell to put England under pressure on day two of the second Test at The Oval on Thursday, as the visitors built on Glenn Phillips’ maiden Test century.
England reached 222-6 at stumps in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings total of 391, still trailing by 169 runs in the three-match series.
Henry removed England’s Joe Root and Harry Brook with crucial lbw dismissals at important stages of the innings, finishing the day with figures of 2-57 from 16 overs.
Earlier, New Zealand were boosted by a brilliant century from Glenn Phillips, who scored 100 to anchor the innings. He was well supported by Kyle Jamieson, who contributed 41 in an 87-run eighth-wicket partnership.
For England, Ben Duckett provided a quick start with 36 off 25 balls, while Emilio Gay continued his strong form with a half-century. However, England lost wickets at regular intervals, preventing any sustained momentum.
Root and Brook both looked set to build a partnership before Henry’s disciplined bowling broke through the middle order. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell also took key catches as New Zealand’s bowlers maintained control.
New Zealand had earlier capitalised on England’s inconsistent bowling and fielding lapses to post a competitive first-innings total.
