Henry skittles England, NZ level series: 2nd Test, Day 5 (Oval)

Pace spearhead Matt Henry had a match haul of 11 wickets as New Zealand secured a comprehensive 253-run victory over England on the fifth day of the second Test at The Oval to level the three-match series at 1-1.

After posting 391 in their first innings and 362 in the second, the visitors set England a daunting target of 463. England were bowled out for 291 in their first innings and resumed the final day on 182-5, but Matt Henry produced a superb spell to finish with 6-29 as the hosts were dismissed for 209.

Joe Root top-scored for England with 77, while Harry Brook contributed 58, but the home side could not withstand New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack.

Earlier in the match, Glenn Phillips scored a maiden Test century with 104, while Henry Nicholls’ unbeaten 119 in the second innings helped put the visitors firmly in control.

The victory levels the series at 1-1 heading into the deciding third Test at Trent Bridge.

New Zealand 391 (Phillips 101, Blundell 51, Bethell 3-26) and 362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68) beat England 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*, Henry 5-80) and 209 (Root 75*, Brook 54, Jamieson 3-37) by 253 runs.

June 2026.