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Oval Test: New Zealand manage 291/7 versus England (Day 1)
18 Jun 2026

England's debutant Sonny Baker and Jacob Bethell took two wickets each, helping the hosts end the first day of the second Test at The Kia Oval with New Zealand at 291/7 with 77 overs being bowled.

Tom Blundell was the top scorer for New Zealand with a knock of 51 runs off 84 balls.

He was well supported by Glenn Phillips (49 not out off 74) and Daryl Mitchell (44 off 74).

Bethell shines in closing hour
Match dynamics

Bethell (2/8) struck twice in the closing hour of the final session, dismissing Blundell and Nathan Smith.

Baker (2/63), who was England's best bowler until Bethell's late assault, made his debut after stand-in captain Joe Root won the toss and chose to bowl first.

The decision paid off as New Zealand struggled early on with Fisher claiming his first Test wicket in four years when Devon Conway gloved behind to debut wicketkeeper James Rew.

New Zealand reach 75/2 in 1st session
Bowler's performance

England's bowlers toiled under the sun for 15 overs before their next wicket.

It was worth the wait as Bethell took a stunning diving catch at gully to send New Zealand captain Tom Latham on his way off Archer's bowling.

Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra ensured New Zealand reached lunch at 75/2, but Tongue dismissed Nicholls soon after the break, leaving Baker with his first Test victim after another sharp catch from Bethell at gully.

Baker on his debut
Debut details

Baker, who made his Test debut after being picked in the squad for the second Test, said, "I'm so happy to have got the first [wicket] - you could probably tell by my celebration!"

He added that he was looking forward to coming back tomorrow and getting stuck in.

Sky Sports Cricket's Nasser Hussain praised Baker's attitude on debut saying he "plays with a smile on his face."

Summary of England's bowlers
Fact

Jofra Archer bowled 19 overs and claimed 1/58 (4 maidens). Matthew Fisher claimed 1/45 from 19 overs (5 maidens). Josh Tongue picked 1/74 from 16 overs (1 maiden). Baker clocked 2 maidens from his 15 overs (2/63). Harry Brook bowled 3 overs and clocked 0/9. Bethell managed 2/8 from 5 overs (1 maiden).

How did New Zealand batters fare?
NZ

Tom Latham managed 27 runs off 75 balls. Archer dismissed the Kiwi skipper.

Nicholls scored 24 runs off 57 balls. He added 44 runs for the 2nd wicket alongside Latham.

Ravindra scored 33 runs off 51 balls.

Mitchell made his presence felt with a knock of 44 off 74 balls. He added an 81-run stand alongside Blundell.

Glenn Phillips then joined Blundell and the two put on 75 runs for the 6th wicket.

Phillips is unbeaten on 49 from 74 balls.