The second Test between England and New Zealand Day 2 at the Oval delivered a fascinating day of traditional Test cricket. While the match was well underway, a moment of absolute magic on the pitch stole the headlines even though the visitors fought hard for the ball. By the end of play, England were struggling to stay afloat at 222/6, trailing New Zealand’s first innings by just 391-169 runs.
Joe Root raises his hand with a sensational over to send Tom Blundell packing on Day 2
The highlight of the day came in the 68th over of New Zealand’s innings. Kiwi keeper-batter Tom Blundell with tenacious, high-impact batting, making 51 off 84 deliveries (including six boundaries). Looking to step up and knock down England’s young all-rounder Jacob BethellBlundell cleared his front leg and wound up for a powerful, straight shot towards midwicket.
The ball spun off the bat, apparently headed for the boundary. He was standing in his way Joe Root. Timing his leap to perfection, Root intercepted the speeding bullet with his bare hands. The high speed of the kick forced an initial juggle, but Root calmly lifted the ball up, kept his composure under the rebound and collected it safely at the second attempt.
A stunning reflex catch broke up a dangerous partnership and gave Bethell a crucial lead just before the last over of the innings. Blundell’s departure for 51 left New Zealand at 263/6, but it opened the floodgates. Glenn Phillipswho capitalized on the lower order to blast a brilliant 100 off 135 balls and took the Black Caps to a total of 391. Bethell finished the selection of English bowlers with impressive figures of 3/26.
We present the video:
Another Test catch for Joe Root 📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/1mJ7TM0TJv
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2026
New Zealand bowlers keep control to stop England’s revival
Faced with a steep first innings deficit, England’s reply got off to a steady start but quickly ran into a disciplined New Zealand bowling unit. Openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay Duckett put on a 45-run stand before running out smartly Nathan Smith for 36. Gay anchored the innings with a patient 53 from 114 balls, finding brief support from Root, who helped before being trapped leg-by-leg in the 46th over. Matt Henry upheld the umpire’s call after a visual DRS review.
When England threatened to build momentum, the Kiwis struck consistently. Harry Brooke Henry also got 24 cheap Will O’Rourke fired young people James Rew 24 to shake the hosts.
On Day 2, New Zealand’s ruthless line and length stifled England’s scoring pace, slowing them to just 18 runs in the last 10 overs. Jordan Cox (22*) and Jofra Archer (0*) managed to survive the over to leave England at 222/6 after 59 overs. With the pitch offering plenty of help, the Kiwi pacers, led by Henry (2/57) and O’Rourke (2/61), are holding firm heading into Day 3.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Glenn Phillips hits maiden century on day 2 of Oval Test – ENG vs NZ
