Joe Root will lead England in the second test in Ben Stokes’ absence. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Welcome to Sportstar’s highlights of Day 1 of the second Test between England and New Zealand, being held at the Oval in London.

PREVIEW

The second test between England and New Zealand commences in the backdrop of controversy and a watershed moment. The three lions, fresh off a commanding victory in the first Test, were handed a jolt when captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub incident, raising renewed concerns about team culture after similiar incidents in the past and disturbing the reputation of the team.

Stokes and Atkinson were subsequently dropped from the squad for the second Test and beyond until further review, and Joe Root was named the captain for the second Test.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson announced his retirement from all formats of the game bringing an end to a glorious career of one of the all-time greats.

PLAYING XI

England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root(c), Harry Brook, James Rew (w), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker

New Zealand: yet to be announced

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH

The second Test between England and New Zealand will be televised live on the Sony Sports Network in India from 3:30 PM IST. The match can also be streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website in India.

THE SQUADS

England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root(c), Harry Brook, James Rew (w), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker, Jamie Smith, Ollie Robinson, Henry Crocombe, Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir

New Zealand:Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke, Matt Henry, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Blair Tickner, Dean Foxcroft, Zakary Foulkes

Published on Jun 17, 2026