CRICKET – NEW ZEALAND seized complete control of the second Test against England as Henry Nicholls struck a masterful century in a 161-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra to stretch their lead to 352 on day three at the Oval yesterday.
Having dismissed England for 291 just before lunch for a first-innings lead of 100, New Zealand lost openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway cheaply but then turned the screws to reach a commanding 252-3at the close.
On a baking day of unbroken sunshine, Nicholls took full advantage of the batsman-friendly conditions with an unbeaten 119. Daryl Mitchell was 32 not out at the close.
Ravindra, dropped on seven with New Zealand wobbling slightly on 48-2, played fluently but with a century beckoning he fell lbw for 76 to England’s part-time spinner Jacob Bethell.
England began the day on 226-6 in reply to New Zealand’s first-innings 391 and lost Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue in quick succession as pace bowler Matthew Henry completed his first five-wicket haul against England.
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