New Zealand gain 352-run lead over England on Day 3:Henry Nicholls hits century in Oval Test, stitches 161-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra

In the second Test being played between New Zealand and England at The Oval ground in London, the Kiwi team has gained a strong hold on the match. By the end of the third day’s play, New Zealand has scored 252 runs for three wickets in their second innings, and their total lead had increased to 352 runs. New Zealand, who scored 391 runs in the first innings, had gained a 100-run lead after England were all out for 291 runs. Subsequently, in the second innings, Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra added 161 runs for the third wicket, making New Zealand’s position extremely strong. Henry Nicholls, who returned to the team after Kane Williamson’s retirement, played an excellent unbeaten innings of 119 runs, while Rachin Ravindra scored 76 runs. At the end of the day’s play, Daryl Mitchell was supporting Nicholls with 32 runs. James Rew dropped two catches England wicketkeeper James Rew’s poor fielding proved to be a major turning point in the match. In the second innings, both New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway were dismissed early. After this, Rachin Ravindra was on 7 runs when Rew dropped his easy catch off Josh Tongue’s bowling. At that time, New Zealand’s score was 48 runs, and England could have taken the third wicket. After the tea break, Henry Nicholls also got a life at a score of 42 runs when Rew couldn’t hold his catch off Jofra Archer’s bowling either. Taking advantage of these two opportunities, Ravindra and Nicholls pushed England behind in the match. Nicholls scored his 11th Test century of his career Henry Nicholls, who came to bat at number 3 in place of Kane Williamson, completed his 11th Test century with a brilliant batting performance. He completed his century in 136 balls and hit 14 fours in his innings. Nicholls’ innings proved decisive in strengthening New Zealand’s lead. Matthew Fisher’s fighting half-century, England scored 287 runs in the first innings Earlier, England resumed play on the third day at 238 for 9 wickets. Lower-order batsman Matthew Fisher played the third half-century innings of his first-class career. He added 53 runs for the last wicket with Sonny Baker, allowing England to reach 291 runs. However, New Zealand gained a significant lead of 100 runs based on the first innings. Fisher dedicated this innings to his late father. Matt Henry’s seventh five-wicket haul New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry bowled brilliantly in the first innings, taking 5 wickets for 80 runs. This is his seventh five-wicket haul in his Test career. Notably, this was the first time he achieved a five-wicket haul in a Test innings against England. Due to Henry’s incisive bowling, England could not post a big score in the first innings, and New Zealand gained a crucial lead.