---
title: "Henry Nicholls Unbeaten 119 Puts New Zealand 352 Ahead of England at The Oval"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/06/19/henry-nicholls-new-zealand-england-oval-test/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Arun Larabhad"
section: "International Cricket"
published: "2026-06-19T18:59:52Z"
modified: "2026-06-19T19:01:48Z"
---

# Henry Nicholls Unbeaten 119 Puts New Zealand 352 Ahead of England at The Oval

**Henry Nicholls made an unbeaten 119 as New Zealand closed day three of the second Test at The Oval on 252-3, stretching their lead over England to 352 runs.**

The left-hander, recalled to the side following Kane Williamson’s retirement, reached his 11th Test century and batted through to stumps as New Zealand moved into a commanding position in London.

Rachin Ravindra added 76 in a decisive third-wicket stand of 161, rebuilding after England had reduced the tourists to 28-2. New Zealand had earlier bowled England out for 291, earning a 100-run first-innings advantage before tightening their grip on the match.

## England left with huge fourth-innings task

The situation leaves England staring at a major chase or a long rearguard effort across the final two days. Matthew Fisher’s unbeaten 50 had dragged the hosts closer in the morning, but Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul ensured New Zealand still carried a substantial first-innings cushion.

Nicholls’ century now gives Tom Latham’s side the option to push the target well beyond England’s reach before declaring. The result matters beyond this Test, too: a New Zealand win would level the series and set up a decider at Trent Bridge next week.

According to [AP’s report from The Oval](https://apnews.com/article/england-newzealand-oval-test-day-three-e5af27fed78fd0988c8920f61fc648bd), Nicholls finished the day unbeaten while New Zealand held seven second-innings wickets in hand.