ENG vs NZ 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights: Key Moments & Major Controversy

The first day (17 June 2026) of the second Test match between England and New Zealand at The Kia Oval was filled with drama and upheaval. England won the toss and elected to bowl first; by the close of play on Day 1, New Zealand had reached 291/7 in 77 overs.

England vs New Zealand: Key Match Points and Day 1 Drama

• Ben Stokes & Atkinson Out! Major drama unfolded before the match even began. Captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were dropped from the playing XI for breaching the team curfew and engaging in a late-night drinking session (which reportedly involved a physical altercation with a rugby player). Joe Root is leading the team.
• England's 3 Debutants: Amidst this controversy and various injuries, England handed debuts to three players Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, and James Rew. Jamie Smith is missing the match due to the birth of his second child.
• New Zealand's Resilient Batting: At one stage, New Zealand was in a spot of bother at 107/4, but their batsmen built small yet solid partnerships:
  • Tom Blundell played a fine innings of 51 runs.
  • Daryl Mitchell scored 44 runs, and Glenn Phillips remains at the crease on 49.
• Bowling Update: For England, debutant fast bowler Sonny Baker claimed 2 wickets (2/63). However, the biggest surprise of the final session was part-time spinner Jacob Bethell; he took 2 wickets for just 8 runs in 5 overs, preventing New Zealand from racing towards a massive total. Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher took one wicket each.