Root guides England into final day against New Zealand at The Oval
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 5:44 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Joe Root is leading England's effort in the second Test against New Zealand at The Kia Oval. After being set 463 runs to win, England ended day four at 182-5. New Zealand had earlier scored 391 and 362, while England made 291 in their first innings. Root, unbeaten on 75, partnered with Harry Brook for a vital 97-run stand. The absence of captain Ben Stokes, who made 95 for Durham on the same day, adds complexity as England fights to stay in the series.
- •England finishes day four at 182-5 in their second innings.
- •Joe Root scores 75 not out, reaching 14,000 Test runs.
- •New Zealand needs five wickets to win; England requires 281 more runs.
- •Ben Stokes scored 95 for Durham while being absent from the Test.
- •The match is expected to conclude on the final day.
- 5:44 PMBBC Sport — Root drags England fight into final day against NZ
- 5:36 PMYahoo Sports — Root drags England fight into final day against NZ
- 5:36 PMBBC News — England vs New Zealand: Joe Root stands between hosts and defeat at The Oval - BBC
"Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
"Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
"Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
Sources
External links- BBC SportJun 20, 2026, 5:44 PMRoot drags England fight into final day against NZ
Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 5:36 PMRoot drags England fight into final day against NZ
Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
- BBC NewsJun 20, 2026, 5:36 PMEngland vs New Zealand: Joe Root stands between hosts and defeat at The Oval - BBC
Joe Root stands between England and defeat in the second Test against New Zealand on a day when absent captain Ben Stokes makes 95 for Durham.
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