Stokes, Duckett shine as England fightback against NZ: 3rd Test, Day 2 (Nottingham)

Opener Ben Duckett struck a swashbuckling century as England fought back impressively on the second day of the third Test at Trent Bridge after New Zealand had threatened to take complete control.

Resuming on 361-4, the visitors were bowled out for 438 as England claimed the remaining six wickets for just 77 runs.

Ben Stokes led the recovery with figures of 4-67, while Jofra Archer and Shoaib Bashir provided valuable support to prevent New Zealand from posting an even larger total.

England then responded positively with the bat despite losing Emilio Gay in the opening over. Ben Duckett produced a sensational counterattacking innings of 113 from just 88 balls, sharing a 179-run partnership with Jacob Bethell, who finished the day unbeaten on 74.

Joe Root remained not out on 21 as England closed on 223-2, trailing by 215 runs and firmly back in the contest heading into day three.

England 223 for 2 (Duckett 113, Bethell 74*) trail New Zealand 438 (Conway 157, Latham 151, Stokes 4-70) by 215 runs.

June 2026.