England’s hopes of salvaging the second Test took a significant hit at the Oval, with New Zealand closing day three in a commanding position, holding a 352-run lead with seven wickets in hand and two days to secure victory.

Despite the challenging situation, Matt Fisher, who earned his second Test cap more than four years after his debut, expressed optimism about creating a “headache” for the Black Caps. He acknowledged that England had faltered in key moments, allowing New Zealand to capitalize effectively.

Fisher stated, “I don’t think we were far away. In key moments we’ve maybe just not got it right, but you can’t change that.” He emphasized the need for England to come back strong, aiming to take early wickets to unsettle New Zealand’s batting plans.

Fisher also noted a sense of caution in New Zealand’s batting during the evening session, as he managed to contain runs for three consecutive overs before conceding 12 runs. He believed that a proactive approach would be crucial for England to regain momentum.

With the bat, Fisher made a notable contribution, scoring 50 not out in the first innings, reducing the deficit to exactly 100 runs. He remarked, “I came off saying that batting’s a bit more enjoyable than bowling sometimes.”

For New Zealand, Henry Nicholls shone brightly, scoring an unbeaten 119 in the second innings. Recalled to the team in place of the retired Kane Williamson, Nicholls expressed his joy in contributing to the team's success, stating, “It’s obviously been a great day personally but also from the team’s perspective.”

As the match progresses, England must regroup and find a way to challenge New Zealand’s dominance.