Chaotic England fortnight ends with huge defeat

England's miserable fortnight of cricket concluded with a crushing 253-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval. The loss levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a high-stakes decider at Trent Bridge.

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England's miserable fortnight ended with a crushing defeat in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval - setting up a high-stakes decider at Trent Bridge.

Under the shadow of controversy surrounding absent captain Ben Stokes, an inexperienced England team was thoroughly exposed by New Zealand's excellent performance. England began the final day with little hope, resuming on 182-5 and chasing a near-impossible 463. Their resistance lasted less than an hour, crumbling against the brilliance of New Zealand seamer Matt Henry.

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England began a baking final day with scant hope of an escape, resuming on 182-5, chasing a notional 463.

Henry, who finished with 6-29 on the day for career-best match figures of 11-109, dismantled England's tail. Joe Root was out for 77 early in the day, lbw to Henry. The subsequent collapse saw Jofra Archer bowled, Matthew Fisher play on, and Josh Tongue caught for a golden duck, marking Henry's first Test 10-wicket haul. Jordan Cox was then bowled attempting a sweep, sealing England's defeat.

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The home side lasted less than an hour thanks to the brilliance of New Zealand seamer Matt Henry, who claimed 6-29 for career-best match figures of 11-109.

The match's end comes two weeks after a confidence-boosting win in the first Test, but England now faces a period of chaos. The controversy involves captain Ben Stokes and player Gus Atkinson, who were stood down for this Test pending an investigation after breaking a midnight curfew and being present when a security staff member was struck. Both players have since been withdrawn from county fixtures, indicating their likely return for the crucial third Test, with Stokes expected to captain.

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And when Jordan Cox was bowled an attempting a sweep, England were beaten and Henry had the best match figures by a New Zealander in a Test in England.