Published on: Jun 16, 2026 3:23 pm IST | Updated on: Jun 16, 2026 2:32 pm IST
England made quick work of the Blackcaps in the first Test at Lord’s, winning the game by 115 runs. The two teams will now head to another iconic venue, i.e., the Oval in London, for the second Test of the three-match series. The hosts are already 1-0 up in the series, and a win here will help them take an unassailable lead. For the Blackcaps, this is a crucial fixture: a loss would mean losing the series, whereas a win would keep the series alive and push the verdict into the decider. Expect a cracker of a game, as both teams will want to win and roll on with the momentum. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 2nd Test match, ENG vs NZ, at the Oval in London.
The English team will be playing this game without their star pacer Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, and skipper Ben Stokes. Ollie picked up 7 wickets across the two innings in the last game, including a 5-fer in the first innings. Meanwhile, after the sudden retirement of veteran batter Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s middle order will be a bit shaky heading into this game. Both teams are missing some of their key players ahead of this game, but England’s familiarity with conditions and the confidence they secured after the last win make them the prime favorites ahead of this game. Therefore, the win probability meter should lean in favor of the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd Test match, ENG vs NZ, at the Oval in London.
ENG: 62% win chance NZ: 38% win chance
The English stand-in skipper for this game scored only 9 runs in the last Test match across two innings. It was a rare failure for Root in the last game, but he has scored 865 runs in his last 10 Test matches at a brilliant average of 48.
Harry Brook scored a fifty in the first innings of the last Test match. Brook has acquired the top spot in ICC Test rankings for batters. Brook will be a lynchpin in this game.
82 runs across two innings was what Glenn Phillips got in the last Test at Lord's. He was the only shining light in New Zealand's otherwise debacled batting effort. With the Blackcaps' top order unable to bat against the new ball in the last Test on a grassy surface, the lower order batting of Phillips could come in handy again.
The left-hander got out cheaply in the last game. However, batting at no. 4, especially in the absence of Kane Williamson, Ravindra have added responsibility in the batting order.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs NZ Only Test match at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
England will head into the second Test at The Oval with confidence after dismantling New Zealand by 115 runs at Lord’s. That victory gave the hosts a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series, and another win here would secure an unassailable advantage.
Despite missing skipper Ben Stokes and star pacer Ollie Robinson, England remain favorites. Robinson was instrumental at Lord’s, claiming seven wickets across two innings, including a five‑wicket haul in the first. His absence will be felt, but England’s depth ensures they can still field a strong attack.
The leadership mantle now falls to Joe Root, who will captain the side in Stokes’ absence. Root’s experience and batting prowess provide stability, while the rest of the lineup will look to build on the momentum from Lord’s. England’s bowlers, backed by home conditions, are expected to continue troubling the Blackcaps, while their batters aim to capitalize on a surface that traditionally rewards patience and stroke play.
With history and form on their side, England should start as favorites at The Oval, eager to seal the series before the final Test.
New Zealand cricket about to unleash a new chapter sans Kane Williamson’s sudden retirement
New Zealand cricket enters a new era following the sudden retirement of veteran batter Kane Williamson, whose presence anchored the middle order for over a decade. His absence leaves a significant void, and the Blackcaps will need to quickly adapt as they prepare for the second Test at The Oval.
The responsibility now falls on skipper Tom Latham to provide stability at the top, while Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell must shoulder added pressure in the middle order. Both have shown promise, but consistency will be vital if New Zealand are to compete against England’s potent attack.
With the bat adjusting to life without Williamson, the bowling unit becomes even more crucial. Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith will lead the charge, tasked with exploiting English conditions and keeping the hosts in check. Their ability to strike early and maintain discipline will determine whether New Zealand can stay competitive.
This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Blackcaps, one defined by resilience, fresh leadership, and the challenge of proving they can thrive even without their most decorated batter. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 116 NZ won: 14 ENG won: 55 Draw: 47 Tied: 0 RECENT form ENGLAND: L L W L W RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: D W W W L
After a win in the last game, England has extended their difference of wins against England in Test cricket. In 116 matches played between the two sides now, England has won 55 games, whereas New Zealand has won 14. A total of 47 games have ended as a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and New Zealand, fare in the 2nd Test? Let’s take a look.
Devon Conway, Tom Latham (C), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (WK), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd Test between New Zealand and England at the Oval, London.
The Oval pitch offers true bounce and rewards batters once they settle, but cloudy June conditions can aid seamers early. Captains winning the toss will likely choose to bat first, aiming to post 330+ and let spinners and wear in the surface come into play later.
The 2nd Test match of the New Zealand tour of England will stream live on the SonyLIV App. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Sony Sports Network Channels- Sony Sports 1/2 HD.
The hosts, buoyed by their win at Lord’s, should start as favorites despite missing the likes of Gus Atkinson, Ben Stokes, and Ollie Robinson. New Zealand’s shaky middle order sans Kane Williamson adds to the challenge. Expect England to edge ahead and take a commanding 2–0 series lead. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, England, are expected to win the ENG vs NZ 2nd Test match.
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