England suffers heavy defeat as Joe Root ties captaincy loss record
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 6:06 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
England faced a heavy defeat against New Zealand at The Oval on June 21, losing by 253 runs. Joe Root's performance included 77 runs, but his captaincy record now ties him with Stephen Fleming for the most Test captaincy losses at 27. England's team, featuring three debutants due to absences, struggled against New Zealand, who amassed 391 runs in the first innings and then set a formidable target by scoring 361 in the second. Matt Henry's outstanding bowling, with figures of 6-29 in the second innings, proved pivotal for New Zealand, leveling the series at 1-1 ahead of the decider in Nottingham.
- •England lost to New Zealand by 253 runs at The Oval.
- •Joe Root scored 77 runs but was trapped lbw by Matt Henry.
- •Root's loss tally now equals Stephen Fleming’s record at 27.
- •New Zealand set an imposing target of 463 runs.
- •Series is tied at 1-1 heading into the decider in Nottingham.
- 6:06 PMYahoo Sports — Joe Root equals unwanted record after England's crushing defeat to New Zealand
"Joe Root's batting prowess shone at The Oval, but England's heavy defeat to New Zealand saw him equal Stephen Fleming's record for most Test captaincy losses with 27. Despite a strong performance from Root, England's depleted side, featuring three debutants, struggled against a dominant New Zealand, who secured a commanding 253-run victory. Matt Henry's exceptional bowling proved decisive in the series-levelling win.
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