New Zealand requires five wickets to complete victory over England in second Test
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 9:22 AM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
New Zealand is closing in on victory against England in the second Test at The Oval. As play unfolds on the final day, New Zealand needs just five more wickets to win, while Joe Root is captaining England in the absence of Ben Stokes. England currently leads the three-Test series 1-0 after their earlier victory at Lord’s. Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from their respective County Championship matches at the behest of the ECB, as the teams prepare for the final Test at Trent Bridge starting June 25.
- •New Zealand needs five wickets to secure victory in the second Test.
- •Joe Root stands in as captain for England at The Oval.
- •England leads the three-Test series 1-0 after winning at Lord's.
- •Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are absent from play following an incident.
- •The final Test is scheduled for June 25 at Trent Bridge.
- 9:14 AMThe Guardian Sport — England v New Zealand: second men’s Test, day five – live
"Updates from final day at the Oval from 11am (BST) New Zealand close to victory despite Root heroics So, about that third Test. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from Durham and Surrey’s ongoing County Championship matches at the request of the ECB. Benoit Blanc’s services are not required here. Do me a quick favour: close your eyes and just imagine the noise when Stokes walks out to bat at Trent Bridge. Continue reading...
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 21, 2026, 9:14 AMEngland v New Zealand: second men’s Test, day five – live
Updates from final day at the Oval from 11am (BST) New Zealand close to victory despite Root heroics So, about that third Test. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson have been withdrawn from Durham and Surrey’s ongoing County Championship matches at the request of the ECB. Benoit Blanc’s services are not required here. Do me a quick favour: close your eyes and just imagine the noise when Stokes walks out to bat at Trent Bridge. Continue reading...
- Sky Sports—New Zealand need five wickets to beat England in second Test LIVE!
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