BSS
  21 Jun 2026, 18:23

Henry the hero as New Zealand thrash England in second Test

Collected photo

LONDON, June 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Matt Henry took four wickets for no runs in just 12 balls as New Zealand thrashed England by 253 runs in the second Test at the Oval on Sunday for a series-levelling win.

New Zealand only needed 48 minutes on the fifth day to complete a crushing victory as England, set a mammoth 463 to win, were bowled out for 209, with Henry's six-wicket haul in total in the second innings giving him superb match figures of 11-109.

New Zealand dominated England in all aspects at the Oval, with both Glenn Phillips and Henry Nicholls, replacing retired great Kane Williamson, hitting hundreds as they bounced back from a 115-run defeat at Lord's to level this three-match contest at 1-1.

England made five changes to their side -- including three debutants -- with captain Ben Stokes and paceman Gus Atkinson both omitted for breaking a team curfew while celebrating victory at Lord's.

The duo could return for next week's series decider at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

New Zealand 1st Innings 391 (G Phillips 100, T Blundell 51; J Bethell 3-26)

England 1st Innings 291 (E Gay 53, M Fisher 50 no; M Henry 5-80)

New Zealand 2nd Innings 362 (H Nicholls 121, R Ravindra 76, D Mitchell 68; M Fisher 3-58, J Archer 3-62)

England 2nd Innings 209 (J Root 77, H Brook 58; M Henry 6-29, K Jamieson 3-61)

Result: New Zealand won by 253 runs