Bethell and Baker take two each as England restrict New Zealand at Oval

England reduce New Zealand to 291 for 7 at the end of the first day of the second Test at the Kia Oval. Jacob Bethell and debutant Sonny Baker both take two wickets apiece in the evening session to help England finish strongly after New Zealand’s innings reached the mid- to high-200s. By stumps, England have England have 7 wickets in hand, with the match entering day two with New Zealand still ahead of England’s position in the contest. The late burst of wickets is credited to Bethell and Baker, who each add to the pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup. With play halted at 291-7, both teams now turn to the next phase of the Test as England look to build on their day-one success. The reports agree that the second Test’s opening day at the Kia Oval is defined by England’s late wickets, leaving New Zealand placed in a vulnerable position as the innings moves into day two.