NZ vs ENG: Phillips century puts New Zealand in control against England on day two

Glenn Phillips scored his maiden Test century as New Zealand took control on day two of the second Test against England, who trail by 169 runs.

Phillips' 100 off 135 helped New Zealand reach 391 before being bowled out, adding 100 to their overnight score before England were 222-6 at stumps after a rain-affected day at The Oval.

England struggled from the very start of the day, with Sonny Baker's first ball clearing James Rew for four byes, and Kyle Jamieson, who survived a terrible drop by Ben Duckett when he was on 15, eventually posted a vital 41.

Phillips had started the day on 49 and put together a strong eighth-wicket partnership with Jamieson to frustrate their hosts.

Matt Henry holed out after getting just five runs, and Phillips lasted

just two more deliveries, with the centurion the last to fall.

Duckett (36) made a steady start before being run out in the eighth over, while Emilio Gay (53 off 114) and captain Joe Root (46) struggled to up England's momentum.

And in a massive double blow to England, Matt Henry (2-57) trapped both Root and Harry Brook (24) lbw in quick succession to drop them to 177-5.

Rew added 24 before he gloved Will O'Rourke late in the day on his debut, but England have been given a mountain to climb heading into day three, with another debutant in Jordan Cox (22 not out) and Jofra Archer (0 not out) set to start at the crease on Friday.

There’s stumps on day two

We go into day three trailing by 169 runs. pic.twitter.com/yTmROWMNZP

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 18, 2026

Phillips joins elite company with Test century

Phillips is only the third player to score a century in all three formats for New Zealand, after now England coach Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill.

Having seen New Zealand wobble slightly on day one, he made sure he stood firm, plundering 18 fours in his knock.

But it is now England who do not look like they have a steady footing, and Root will be disappointed he could not extend his stand longer, as he was dismissed two runs short of the 14,000 mark.

And there was an unwanted exit for Duckett, too. He is the first England opener to be run out in a men's Test at The Oval since Chris Tavare in 1983, also against New Zealand.

Gay, meanwhile, has scored two 50s in as many matches to start his Test career. England will be hoping for similar contributions from Cox when he comes back out on day three.