England v New Zealand Test Series 2026

[sussexpob]

On a positive, Emilio Gay has done pretty well again. I am not sure how his technique will stand up to test cricket long term, but at least he looks like he values his wicket and has some mental toughness to try to stick in and build innings. Keeps batting like this the big scores will come eventually.... Quite the opposite of James Rew

[Durhamfootman]

The cricketer thinks he has a weakness against short pitched bowling and that NZ will spend the rest of this series peppering him with short stuff

[Arthur Crabtree]

England have continued the NZ trend for making starts. Phillips is the only player on either side to go on. So he deserves some credit for his standout performance.

[mikesiva]

It's good to see a Test match played on a proper pitch for a change.

Oval > Lords

[alfie]

Horrible day for England. Not smart bowling ; not smart batting. In fairness , having to pick three debutants and and another 1 match player all at once was always likely to cause problems : the annoying part being heavy handed disciplinary action coinciding with injury and personal issues to force this situation...but still very disappointing.

Can they fight back ? Looks a long shot ; but 4 years ago a contest between these same two opponents went from a quite similar situation to a dramatic England victory...maybe we need Bairstow and Overton today

Keeping the faith - or hope : but suspect the likelihood is we will be going to a decider in the Third Test. And hearing that sanity might prevail and Stokes be brought back from Purgatory...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cox goes early, so NZ really well placed. England set to be bowled out well within 80 overs, which is a poor effort.

Now Archer. Useful 4-fer for Henry.

Make that a 5-fer.

[Durhamfootman]

are they all out yet?

With a big first innings deficit, I imagine that England will have already calculated that bowling as fast they can, with as little control as they can, whilst banging it in short repeatedly is the best way to proceed

They don't like it up 'em, you know, Capt Mainwaring..... they never have

[andy]

They are all out for 291 deficit is 100....vital half century for fisher! England way behind in the game but could have been worse...have to bowl well now though!

[andy]

Jofra strikes! Latham gone 8-1!

[Arthur Crabtree]

And Conway goes too. Presume England won't mind a chase of about 300-400...

[sussexpob]

Well this is what you get when you pick a keeper who isn't his county's top 1/2 in any format.... Bad drop from Rew..

[sussexpob]

Root on already...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not much of a first spell from Archer. Though bowling four overs is what he is used to.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bethell's wickets suggest they should have a spinner.

Can I rest my case?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Nicholls filling in nicely for KW.