Cricket-New Zealand stretch lead to over 400 against England on day four


Cricket - England v New Zealand - Second Test - Kia Oval, London, Britain - June 20, 2026 New Zealand's Nathan Smith hits a shot off the bowling of England's Sonny Baker Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

LONDON, June 20 (Reuters) - ⁠England pace bowler Jofra Archer took ⁠two wickets but New Zealand reached ‌lunch on day four of the second test at The Oval with a huge 445-run lead as ​they seek to level the ⁠series. New Zealand began ⁠the day on 252-3 and moved to ⁠345-6 ‌by the interval with Daryl Mitchell 66 not out.

• New Zealand ⁠centurion Henry Nicholls added only two runs ​to his ‌overnight 119 as he edged a ⁠superb Archer ​delivery that moved away off a length to Harry Brook at second slip.

• Josh ⁠Tongue then removed Tom Blundell for ​16, caught behind by wicketkeeper James Rew after a fumble by Joe Root.

• Archer was ⁠rewarded with a second wicket of the day when Glenn Phillips, who scored a century in the first innings, drove ​at a wide delivery and ⁠flashed a catch to Jacob Bethell at ​gully.

• Mitchell and Nathan ‌Smith (30) continued to buildthe lead ​with an unbroken 38-run partnership.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

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