Henry double-strike gives New Zealand the edge after Phillips ton

On a hardworking yet fruitful day for their bowlers, New Zealand rode on an outstanding bowling display in the final session to hold the aces by the end of Day 2 of the Oval Test. After Glenn Phillips' maiden Test hundred powered the visitors to 391, Matt Henry's dual-strike dented England, who ended the day on 222/6.

New Zealand piled more frustration on England after resuming on 291/7. With three overs to go for the second new ball, England opted for the short ball tactic but it backfired. Phillips got to his fifty and while Kyle Jamieson came out attacking, Sonny Baker should have had him out in the 80th over but Ben Duckett spilled a regulation chance at deep mid wicket.

Jofra Archer wasn't handed the second new ball. Jamieson wasn't always in control but got desired results. Phillips was in complete control, using his hands through the off-side while trusting his defence. The duo raised a 50-run stand.

Joe Root turned to Jacob Bethell with a five-over old second new ball and the ploy worked as he bowled Jamieson, ending an 86-run partnership. Phillips brought up his highest Test score and reached his maiden ton with a single off Archer. The final two wickets fell soon after as New Zealand's innings ended on 391.

England's openers saw out a three-over passage before Lunch. Henry and Jamieson were guilty of losing their radar in the second session. England motored along at over a run-a-ball before Smith ran out Duckett for a 25-ball 36. Bethell nicked one he could have left alone.

William O'Rourke got the ball to carry through nicely. Gay batted with a measured approach, holding up an end solidly as he got through to Tea with Root, who swiftly moved to 19.

A brief rain spell halted play five deliveries into the final session. Root motored along at brisk pace while Gay reached a second consecutive fifty. In the same over though, he took his eyes off a short ball and was caught, with New Zealand having the on-field call overturned.

Harry Brook unleashed an outrageous slice over backward point for six. New Zealand brought wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up to the stumps to keep the batters rooted. The ploy worked as Henry trapped both Root and Brook in front with wobble seam deliveries, bringing debutants James Rew and Jordan Cox together.

Rew's first boundary was streaky but he looked compact in defence. Rachin Ravindra's catching woes continued as he dropped Rew at long leg. But Henry got his man shortly after with the short ball as Rew hooked to Daryl Mitchell at first slip. Cox saw out the day with Archer, still 169 runs adrift.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 391 all out (Glenn Phillips 100, Tom Blundell 51; Jacob Bethell 3-26, Jofra Archer 2-61) lead England 222-6 (Emilio Gay 53, Joe Root 46; Matt Henry 2-57, William O'Rourke 2-61) by 169 runs.