LONDON Jofra Archer struck twice on Saturday but New Zealand tightened their grip on the second test against England, reaching lunch on day four with a commanding lead of 445 runs as they pushed for a series-levelling victory at The Oval.
Resuming on 252-3, New Zealand advanced to 345-6 by the interval, with Daryl Mitchell unbeaten on 66 and Nathan Smith providing solid support on 30 not out in an unbroken partnership worth 38 runs.
England made an early breakthrough when Archer dismissed overnight centurion Henry Nicholls, who had resumed on 119. The fast bowler produced a superb delivery that moved away off the pitch, inducing an edge that was safely held by Harry Brook at second slip.
Nicholls added only two runs to his overnight score before departing for 121.
Josh Tongue then removed Tom Blundell for 16, with wicketkeeper James Rew taking the catch after Joe Root initially failed to hold onto the chance.
Archer claimed his second wicket of the morning when Glenn Phillips, who scored a century in New Zealand’s first innings, chased a wide delivery and edged to Jacob Bethell at gully.
Despite England’s successes with the ball, Mitchell continued to anchor the innings and, alongside Smith, extended New Zealand’s advantage beyond 400 runs, leaving the tourists firmly in control heading into the afternoon session.
With the series on the line, England face the daunting task of restricting New Zealand quickly and then mounting a record chase to avoid defeat and deny the visitors a share of the series.
