England vs New Zealand: Matt Henry ends hosts’ miserable fortnight
Second Rothesay Test, Kia Oval (fifth day five)
New Zealand 391 (Philips 100) &362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68)
England 291 (Gay 53, Fisherman 50*; Henry 5-80) &209 (Root 76, Stream 58; Henry 6-29)
New Zealand won by 253 runs, 1-1 in the three-match series
scorecard
England’s miserable fortnight ended with a crushing defeat in the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval and a huge decider at Trent Bridge.
In the shadow of controversy without captain Ben Stokes, an inexperienced England team faced an excellent performance from New Zealand, who won by 253 runs.
England began the final day with little hope of an escape and went on to make 182-5 in pursuit of an imaginary 463.
The home side held out for less than an hour thanks to the brilliance of New Zealand seamer Matt Henry, who took 6-29 for a career-best 11-109.
Joe Root was dismissed for 77 in the third over of the day, again being lbw to Henry while the wicketkeeper was standing, leaving the tail wide.
Jofra Archer was bowled by a wicket-keeper, Matthew Fisher went on to play and Josh Tongue was caught for a golden duck at first slip, giving Henry his first Test 10-wicket haul.
And England were beaten when Jordan Cox attempted a sweep, leaving Henry with the best match figures by a New Zealander in a Test in England.
It meant that exactly two weeks after the confidence-boosting win in the first Test, England were trying to emerge from a period of chaos while facing a vital third Test.
At Lord’s, Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson broke the England team’s midnight curfew as they celebrated the win and were present when security personnel were hit by a Saracens rugby player.
The duo have been withdrawn for this Test pending the outcome of the investigation as England need to name a squad for Trent Bridge.
Although it was thought the pair were likely to return with Stokes captaining them, a clear indication was given on Sunday morning that both were withdrawing from county fixtures.
