Chaotic England fortnight ends with huge defeat in second Test against New Zealand

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Chaotic England fortnight ends with huge defeat Figure caption, 'Masterclass' - Henry bowls NZ to victoryByStephan Shemilt Cricket Correspondent at The Kia OvalPublished21 June 2026, 11:57 BSTUpdated 26 minutes agoSecond Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day five of five)New Zealand 391 (Phillips 100) & 362 (Nicholls 121, Ravindra 76, Mitchell 68)England 291 (Gay 53, Fisher 50*; Henry 5-80) & 209 (Root 76, Brook 58; Henry 6-29)New Zealand won by 253 runs, three-match series level at 1-1ScorecardEngland's miserable fortnight ended with a crushing defeat in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval - setting up a high-stakes decider at Trent Bridge. Under the shadow of the controversy surrounding absent captain Ben Stokes, an inexperienced England team were exposed by an excellent performance from New Zealand, who won by 253 runs. England began a baking final day with scant hope of an escape, resuming on 182-5, chasing a notional 463.

The home side lasted less than an hour thanks to the brilliance of New Zealand seamer Matt Henry, who claimed 6-29 for career-best match figures of 11-109. Joe Root was out for 77 in the third over of the day, again lbw to Henry with the keeper standing up, and the tail was exposed. Jofra Archer was bowled by a shooter, Matthew Fisher played on and Josh Tongue was caught at first slip for a golden duck, giving Henry his first Test 10-wicket haul.

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And when Jordan Cox was bowled an attempting a sweep, England were beaten and Henry had the best match figures by a New Zealander in a Test in England. It meant that exactly two weeks on from a confidence-boosting win in the first Test, England are trying to move on from a period of chaos while also facing the vital third Test. In celebrating the win at Lord's, Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson broke the England team's midnight curfew and were present when a member of security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

The pair were stood down for this Test pending an investigation, the outcome of which is now due to be revealed as England need to name a squad for Trent Bridge. While it was already thought likely the duo will return, with Stokes as captain, a clear indication was given on Sunday morning when both were withdrawn from their county fixtures. Stokes and Atkinson withdrawn from county games Published2 hours agoSublime Henry bowls New Zealand to emphatic second-Test win - reaction England mess heaps pressure on decider Figure caption, Archer bowled by unplayable delivery from HenryWhat a mess.

Even when Stokes is cleared to resume his career and the captaincy, speculation will continue about the state of his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum. All of England's management - Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key - were backed after the dismal Ashes tour and now find themselves facing a crucial series decider.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.