England suffered a humiliating 253-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval, allowing the visitors to level the three-match series at 1-1.
Chasing a daunting target of 463, England resumed the final day on 182 for 5 but collapsed dramatically in just 48 minutes, losing their remaining five wickets for just 27 runs to be bowled out for 209.
New Zealand’s pace bowler Matt Henry was the hero of the match, recording career-best figures of 11 for 109. He claimed 6 for 29 in the second innings, ripping through England’s batting lineup. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 75, providing the only significant resistance as the rest of the top order failed against an inspired New Zealand attack. Henry’s match haul is the best by a New Zealander against England on English soil.
The defeat not only handed New Zealand a morale-boosting victory but also exposed England’s ongoing fragility in the longest format. With the series now finely poised heading into the decisive third Test at Trent Bridge, the hosts will be desperate to regroup, especially with Ben Stokes expected to return as captain.
Why ICC Docked 12 Points from England
In a further blow to England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) docked them 12 points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match. Match referee Andy Pycroft ruled that England were 12 overs short of the required rate, even after accounting for all permitted time allowances.
Under ICC regulations, the team was collectively fined 50% of their match fees. Each player lost five percent of their individual fee per over short, with the deduction capped at 50%. Stand-in captain Joe Root accepted the charge and pleaded guilty, avoiding a formal hearing.
The penalty has left England in seventh place on the WTC table with just 38 points and a low points percentage of 26.38, significantly damaging their chances of qualifying for the final. New Zealand, on the other hand, moved up to fourth position with 40 points at 66.67%.
The 3rd Test will be played in Nottingham between the two sides, which starts from June 25.