New Zealand takes the lead after posting 391 for a bonus point on day two of the second Test at The Oval, before bowling England out to 222-6 by stumps. England’s reply stalls at 222 runs for the loss of six wickets, leaving them behind New Zealand by a 169-run deficit as play ends. Both reports describe New Zealand’s all-pace bowling as continuously pressuring England during the day, preventing a sustained recovery after New Zealand’s strong first innings total. With the session closing at 222-6, England still have work to do to reduce the arrears and limit the impact of New Zealand’s earlier advantage. The match situation as the teams head into the next phase is consistent across outlets: New Zealand’s 391 forms the base of their advantage, England’s 222-6 reply narrows neither the deficit substantially nor provides a late surge, and stumps bring the day to a conclusion with England in a vulnerable position.