England in trouble after dreadful day against New Zealand
England ended day two of the second Test at The Oval at 222-6, trailing New Zealand by 169 runs, after a chaotic morning and a batting collapse.
England find themselves in a dire position against New Zealand after a disastrous second day of the second Test at The Oval. Following a promising start on day one without captain Ben Stokes, the home side surrendered the initiative through strange tactics, a crucial dropped catch, and a maiden Test century from Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand moved from their overnight 291-7 to 391 all out, thanks largely to Phillips' 100 and Kyle Jamieson's vital 41. In reply, England stumbled to 222-6, still 169 runs behind. Emilio Gay made a half-century (53) and stand-in captain Joe Root added 46, but three wickets fell for 35 runs to leave them at 177-5. James Rew edged the hostile Will O'Rourke late in the day, leaving Jordan Cox unbeaten on 22 and Jofra Archer yet to score.
England's troubles began with the very first ball of the day, as they set a short-ball trap for Sonny Baker bowling to Kyle Jamieson, which went for four byes. The day worsened when Ben Duckett dropped Jamieson on 15, allowing him to make a crucial 41. Archer did not bowl for the first 90 minutes but then struck with his fourth delivery. Duckett was later run out for 36 after being called for a quick single that was never there.
Gay and Root added 74 for the fourth wicket, but both Root and Harry Brook were dismissed lbw to Matt Henry in a double blow that left England in deep trouble.
