England trail New Zealand in second Test at the Oval

England began the fourth day of the second men’s Test at the Oval trailing New Zealand after losing key personnel before the match. The side entered the contest without its captain and wicketkeeper. Two players were suspended following an off-field incident, while another was ruled out by injury.

Team composition changes Selectors turned to a group described by one former official as having limited experience. The stand-in captain attempted to set attacking fields but the approach yielded limited results. New Zealand maintained a more conventional strategy and took regular wickets.

Match situation By the close of day three, England’s position had deteriorated further. Spectators watched as the hosts struggled to build partnerships against steady bowling. A World Cup match between Australia and the Netherlands began the same day in Southampton.