England v New Zealand Test Series 2026

[sussexpob]

Don't understand the tactic with double gullies. If the pitch was two paced or quick and bouncy, then these people would be in the game more, but the pitch is even paced and flat, and Latham and Conway arent the type of batters to hit the ball hard into those areas behind square. I'd expect edges to go a bit finer. England back 15 years ago used this tactic away to Australia to people like Shane Watson on bouncy tracks, and it worked because he hit hard and square on the offside.

Also not sure why they seem to love this leg slip/45 man on the leg side. He's basically there to create chances off rank bowling on the pads....

[andy]

Wish occasionally they would bowl over the wicket to lefties...they seem obsessed bowling round and then stray on legs and easy shot for 4 through mid wicket

[sussexpob]

Archer lasts 4 overs again. Spin on already after 10 overs....

[sussexpob]

Already a bit of turn for Bashir in the surface. I think he is going to be key to England's effort

[andy]

54-0 at drinks...Bashir has created two chances already but hard work for the bowlers on a good looking deck

[sussexpob]

54-0 at drinks...Bashir has created two chances already but hard work for the bowlers on a good looking deck

Not sure if he's getting a bit of extra grip because its a very new ball and seam is still pronounced, but the odd couple have turned quite a lot for 10 overs in on the first day. With the hot weather and a docile pitch for seamers, a lot of this match could come down to how well each of the secondary spinners perform. Rach for NZ, and Bethell/Root for England.

Wouldn't be surprised after Stokes has a bowl if we get spin on both ends.

[andy]

Think Bashir is bowling well here...looks like tongue will get one more then stokes himself into the attack

[sussexpob]

Not sure if he's getting a bit of extra grip because its a very new ball and seam is still pronounced

Seems the case, because he's not getting anything now as the ball gets older.

[sussexpob]

85-0... very daunting. England not generating any real chances now, pitch looks like a total road.... NZ will be targeting 500 plus

[Arthur Crabtree]

Even hotter tomorrow. If NZ can bat for two day, surely the pitch will be starting to break up by then.

Might be a time for grinding out the runs rather than taking risks.

Some heavy cloud on Sunday.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not sure if he's getting a bit of extra grip because its a very new ball and seam is still pronounced

Seems the case, because he's not getting anything now as the ball gets older.

Presumably the pace bowlers will get the ball to reverse early

[andy]

50 for Tom Latham

[Arthur Crabtree]

After the excess of byes at the Oval, none so far this time.

[andy]

Good length spell for Bashir before lunch will get better the more he bowls good to see stokes still has faith in him though...no idea where a wicket is going to come from though....fantastic toss for NZ to win

[sussexpob]

100 up for no loss.

England going to get about 27 overs in this session. Pathetic when you think we have had 9 overs of spin