New Zealand punish England as Nicholls century builds huge lead

LONDON, June 19 : New Zealand took complete command of the second test against England as Henry Nicholls struck a masterful century in a big partnership with Rachin Ravindra to stretch their lead to 352 on day three at the Oval on Friday.

Having dismissed England for 291 just before lunch for a first-innings lead of 100, New Zealand lost openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway cheaply but then turned the screws to reach a commanding 252-3 at the close.

On a day of unbroken sunshine, Nicholls took full advantage of the batsman-friendly conditions with an unbeaten 119. Daryl Mitchell was 32 not out at the close.

Ravindra, dropped on seven with New Zealand wobbling slightly on 48-2, played fluently in a third-wicket stand of 161, but with a century beckoning he fell lbw to England's part-time spinner Jacob Bethell having scored 76.

England began the day on 226-6 in reply to New Zealand's first-innings 391 and lost Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue in quick succession as pace bowler Matthew Henry completed his first five-wicket haul against England.

A defiant half century by number nine Matthew Fisher put the brakes on New Zealand's charge and Archer then produced a hostile opening spell as England threatened a counter-attack.

But England's fire faded and New Zealand are now clear favourites to level the three-match series having lost the opener by 115 runs at Lord's.