England made a bright start to the second Test of the series against New Zealand at The Oval after stand-in captain Joe Root opted to bowl first in having won the toss. After a rain-delayed start, the hosts kept a tight grip on proceedings to leave New Zealand under the pump in the first session of an important game in their three-Test series.

The home side came into the match in heavily altered form after a tumultuous off-the-field week. Regular captain Ben Stokes missed out, giving Root the opportunity to lead again while Jofra Archer came back into Test cricket and three players – Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and wicketkeeper James Rew were handed their Test debuts. They were also without Ollie Robinson, who was ruled out with a knee injury.

Archer duly entered the scene and immediately lent his presence, repeatedly bowling at express pace to trouble New Zealand’s top order. And, after battling back to dismiss captain Tom Latham for 27 — a crucial wicket for England. Roy was complemented nicely by Fisher, who sent Devon Conway packing pawnishly early to keep the rout out of the visitors’ bid for some momentum.

By lunch, New Zealand were 75 for 2, with Henry Nicholls not out on 23 after making a comeback in place of the retired Kane Williamson. The pair sought to rebuild the innings against England’s youthful, vibrant attack as Rachin Ravindra offered supporting solidity.

Debutant Sonny Baker did not take a wicket in the first session, but the 19-year-old had pace and movement which hinted that England’s new bowling unit could continue asking questions all through this match. Even with a belting wicket at The Oval Root’s tactical field placements and disciplined bowling changes meant New Zealand never scored freely.

Having won the first of this three-match series by 115 runs at Lord’s, England will be looking to seal victory with another dominant display. A strong stand from Nicholls and Ravindra will be key for New Zealand as they seek to set a par total in the first-innings and level the series ahead of the last Test.

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