'Starved of tactical ideas': Ex-cricketer says second Test has become 'Joe Root's worst nightmare' as England fall behind

New Zealand batter Henry Nicholls marked his return to the Test side with an unbeaten century as the visitors tightened their grip on the second Test against England at The Oval on Friday.

Recalled to the squad after Kane Williamson’s retirement, Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119 at stumps as New Zealand reached 252/3 in their second innings. With a first-innings lead of 100 runs, the visitors ended day three with an overall lead of 352 runs and seven wickets still in hand.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand secured that advantage by bowling England out for 291 just before lunch.

Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra then rebuilt the innings after early setbacks. Ravindra scored 76 before being dismissed, while the pair added 161 runs for the fourth wicket from 201 balls. It is New Zealand’s highest partnership at The Oval.

The visitors steadily extended their lead before taking control after tea, leaving England with a difficult task heading into the fourth day.

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad said the match was becoming a major challenge for stand-in captain Joe Root.

Root is leading the side in place of Ben Stokes, who was left out following the nightclub incident after the first Test.

England’s bowling attack has little Test experience. Sonny Baker is making his debut, Matt Fisher is playing only his second Test and first in four years, while Josh Tongue is appearing in his 11th Test. Jofra Archer, playing his 19th Test, is the most experienced member of the pace attack.

The lack of experience extends beyond the bowling unit. Wicketkeeper James Rew and batter Jordan Cox are also making their debuts, while opener Emilio Gay is only playing his third Test.

Broad told the Sky Sports Cricket Vodcast: “It has almost been Root’s worst nightmare.”

“He has an inexperienced bowling group, a flat pitch, the sun is out, England are behind in the game and tactically he has no one, particularly, to lean on.”

“They have looked starved of tactical ideas. It’s not just up to the captain to decide what to do but the lack of experience in the England side has been overshadowed by a bit of game nous from New Zealand.”

New Zealand now have a strong chance to level the series at 1-1 and force a decider at Trent Bridge from June 25.

However, they will remain cautious after England chased down targets in all three Tests during New Zealand’s previous tour in 2022.

With seven wickets in hand, the visitors will look to stretch their lead further before asking England to attempt one of the biggest fourth-innings chases in Test history.

England’s highest successful run chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest successful chase in Test cricket is 378/3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022.