All you need to know ahead of the second test between the Black Caps and England
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
The Black Caps will start the post Kane Williamson era against England at The Oval on Wednesday night (NZT).
The second test of the three-match series starts at 10pm. Sky will broadcast the match live, while Stuff will provide updates.
Playing without stood-down captain Ben Stokes, England can seal the series with another victory in London.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Henry Nicholls is likely to replace the retired Kane Williamson when the Black Caps unveil their side for the second test against England.
The 34-year-old forced his way back into the red ball squad on the back of a blistering domestic summer, but was set to be a spectator during the highly anticipated three-test series.
That was until Williamson dropped a bomb shell last week, announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket between the first and second tests.
Will Young has been called into the squad as Williamson’s replacement, but Nicholls, already on deck with the team, shapes as the more likely to play.
Nicholls last played a test in August last year, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, and averages a tick below 40. He has scored 10 centuries in 58 previous tests.
“That resilience piece for me has been massive. Not trying to focus on trying to get back in the team, but if I could just do as well as I could for Canterbury, and if it works out, it works out, and if it doesn't, I've enjoyed the journey,” he told Stuff ahead of the series.
“Now that I'm back in, that's the focus. It's just about enjoying the environment, preparing to perform really well.”
Nicholls put up staggering first class numbers last season, amassing 870 runs at an average of 96.67, highlighted by an unbeaten 226, as he captained Canterbury to Plunket Shield glory.
The Black Caps otherwise look set to field the same team that was beaten on a spicy surface at Lord’s, one which was heavily criticised due to inconsistent bounce.
That’s provided seamer Matt Henry’s back spasms don’t flare up. Henry has been bowling in the nets ahead of the test.
England, on the other hand, have named a re-jigged XI for the test, with No 7 batter Jordan Cox and seamer Sonny Baker set to debut.
Cox gets his chance in the aftermath of captain Ben Stokes being stood down for breaching team protocol after the first test, while Baker replaces the injured Ollie Robinson, the chief destroyer at Lord’s.
Gus Atkinson was also stood down, and has been replaced by fearsome quick Jofra Archer.
James Rew could yet make it three debutants, too, should Jamie Smith be on paternity leave.
Former captain Joe Root will lead the side in Stoke’s absence.
TEAMS
Black Caps squad: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Zak Foulkes, Daryl MItchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Blair Tickner.
England XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (capt), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.
*James Rew to replace Smith if unavailable on paternity leave.
TAB ODDS
England $1.83 Black Caps $2.50 Draw $7
HEAD TO HEAD
Played 115: England 54 wins, Black Caps 14 wins, 47 draws