Henry Nicholls' century helped to put New Zealand in control against a laboured England on day three of the second Test at The Oval.

The Black Caps hold a 352-run lead after Friday's play as they moved to 252-3, with England left to rue some missed drops by debutant James Rew.

England picked the action back up at 222-6, trailing New Zealand by 169 runs, but Jordan Cox (27) and Jofra Archer (8) could not add much to the overnight total.

The hosts were dropped to 238-9 by Matt Henry's five-for, but Matthew Fisher rallied his side with an unbeaten 50 to give England some hope as he dragged them to 291 all out.

It started well for England, with Rew's catch dismissing Tom Latham (4), while Devon Conway followed shortly behind with just 11 runs to his name.

However, Rew put down Rachin Ravindra when he had just seven, while he also parried the ball high to his right with Nicholls on 42.

As such, the third-wicket partnership subsequently stretched to 161, with Ravindra eventually trapped lbw by Jacob Bethell on 76.

Nicholls pushed onto 119 by the close and will start at the crease again on Thursday with Daryl Mitchell (32 not out) as they look to extend their lead further.

Stumps on day three at The Kia Oval pic.twitter.com/Zt1Qg8r8xc

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 19, 2026

New Zealand take advantage of inexperience in England's side

Though New Zealand missed a chance to shut out England earlier than they did, with Fisher claiming his maiden half-century in the format, they turned up the heat with the bat.

England, without captain Ben Stokes due to an ongoing investigation, have five debutants in the side, with Rew taking the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

And it was the charmed third-wicket partnership that fully turned the tide with Nicholls marking his return to the side by going on to an 11th Test hundred, getting 16 fours in his knock.

England now have a mountain to climb if they want to avoid seeing their series lead slashed out, but New Zealand have the bit between their teeth and will not want to let up control easily.