{"id":34037,"date":"2026-06-17T11:03:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T11:03:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/17\/england-v-new-zealand-second-mens-test-day-one-live-england-v-new-zealand-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T11:03:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T11:03:05","slug":"england-v-new-zealand-second-mens-test-day-one-live-england-v-new-zealand-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/17\/england-v-new-zealand-second-mens-test-day-one-live-england-v-new-zealand-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live | England v New Zealand 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Conway is strangled down the leg side. Jimmy Rew gets his gloves on an early catch and Matt Fisher has his second Test wicket.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;37eb9c3f-d3b4-43a9-830f-2327f7b7395d&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1781693921000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.58\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1781693996000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.59\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1781693996000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.59\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;06.59&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;WICKET! Devon Conway c Rew b Fisher 9 (New Zealand 14-1)&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Wed 17 Jun 2026 06.59 EDT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Wed 17 Jun 2026 04.34 EDT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;If the blazer fits\u2026 Joe Root tosses the coin and Tom Latham calls\u2026 incorrectly. A cheer goes up around the Oval as Root confirms he\u2019s going to unleash his green pace attack.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;8de7ec09-5989-48fd-b64f-f37aff1f71d1&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cI want to make first use of this surface. I think it\u2019s a great opportunity for our attack to get out there and carry on the great work we did last week\u201d he says.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;13db30a6-3bb1-4f63-a21d-f6433f58c41f&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cIt\u2019s probably a bit tighter than it was!\u201d he says of the blazer.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;a25bed45-f511-474b-9c5b-1ce4d609f69d&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement&quot;,&quot;source&quot;:&quot;YouTube&quot;,&quot;originalUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pRW-SwQ5ZI8&amp;list=RDpRW-SwQ5ZI8&amp;start_radio=1&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;47b704f3-71a0-436e-9830-0065fe70fda8&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:640,&quot;embedUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/pRW-SwQ5ZI8?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pRW-SwQ5ZI8&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:480,&quot;sourceDomain&quot;:&quot;youtube-nocookie.com&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;The National - \\&quot;Apartment Story\\&quot;&quot;,&quot;isThirdPartyTracking&quot;:false},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;\u201cTired and blue blazered, fill yourself with\u2026 &lt;em&gt;pound coins&lt;\/em&gt;\u201d&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;b8de1ac2-c13b-4904-9531-ede0852f381a&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1781690513000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.01\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1781690976000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.09\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1781690976000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;06.09\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;06.09&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;England win the toss and choose to bowl first&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Wed 17 Jun 2026 06.59 EDT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Wed 17 Jun 2026 04.34 EDT&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Gus Atkinson flattened... Matt Henry\u2019s middle stump. Lord\u2019s witnesses England\u2019s first Test win since the crapshoot in Melbourne just after Christmas. Is this another reset? Maybe, maybe not. There\u2019s a nagging feeling it is more a re-emphasis of the end. The following day the text comes though, Stokes and Atkinson, drinks taken, curfew broken, punches thrown. Shock, confusion, despair. Both men dropped. Investigation pending. &lt;a href=\\&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/cricket\\&quot; data-component=\\&quot;auto-linked-tag\\&quot;&gt;Cricket&lt;\/a&gt; regulator, rugby players, Rex Rooms. Stokes sacked? Stokes retired? Stokes silent. Rob Key talks, Stokes not backed, prohibition mooted. Harry Brook as captain? After Wellington? Not likely. Joe Root digs his old blazer out of the garage. It\u2019s crumpled but still fits. Of course it is Rooty, there\u2019ll always be Rooty, won\u2019t there? McCullum speaks, he\u2019s worried about Ben. We all are. Come on. We can\u2019t lose Stokes, over this? We still might lose Stokes over this. Ollie Robinson scan, Ollie Robinson out. Injured again. Bad luck or bad conditioning. Or both? Kane Williamson retires? Not now Kane! Well played Kane. A World Cup starts. Not that one. Edgbaston, are they\u2026 singing witches? Why not. A win and a Wyatt-Hodge ton. Distraction from the distraction. Then back. Jofra back, Matthew Fisher back. Debuts for Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox. Jamie Smith swaps his gloves for nappies. Debut for James Rew. Five changes, three debutants. New captain, old captain. 1-0. Remember? The Oval. Deep breath. On we go.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f78f2508-4547-4c9b-a566-4a02e8afad06&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Welcome to the fever dream that is English cricket.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;53e100fa-78dc-4c2a-9caf-0a6724b0a32c&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Welcome to the Guardian\u2019s OBO. &lt;strong&gt;Play begins at 11am.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;ace36c31-9c81-4021-b21a-45418bc99b74&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;Wonder what we\u2019ll talk about until then?&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;c894cf80-c47b-4449-ac49-d578b1027f8c&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1781685242000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.34\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1781685232000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.33\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1781685242000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;04.34\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;04.34&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Preamble&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;James Wallace&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=aa7d18847f4d269f8eed30ab90428ddb&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=eb73166c6ed34247a3a7d2df4036a3b6&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Wed 17 Jun 2026 06.59 EDT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Wed 17 Jun 2026 04.34 EDT&quot;}],&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1781694185082}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">WICKET! Devon Conway c Rew b Fisher 9 (New Zealand 14-1)<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Conway is strangled down the leg side. Jimmy Rew gets his gloves on an early catch and Matt Fisher has his second Test wicket.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c#block-6a327de18f08bd83c766ba9c\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a327d3a8f0824095b8b62e9\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>5th over: New Zealand 9-0 (Latham 3, Conway 6) <\/strong>Archer reels off a maiden but Latham is happy to let plenty go outside off stump.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cWas Cicero pondering Joe Root when he wrote: \u2018It<strong> <\/strong>is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Anyway \u2013 I have day 3 tickets, so what\u2019s your prediction for the state of play by then?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Let me consult the runes, Robert Hill.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a327d3a8f0824095b8b62e9&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a327d3a8f0824095b8b62e9&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a327d3a8f0824095b8b62e9#block-6a327d3a8f0824095b8b62e9\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a327bec8f082aa3ad0d9bf8\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>4th over: New Zealand 12-0 (Latham 4, Conway 8) <\/strong>Latham and Conway tuck a too straight Fisher into the leg side. Three runs off the over. I\u2019m sat next to the liquid tongued new host of the Wisden podcast and soon to be OBO debutant Cameron Ponsonby. He leans in coquettishly and whispers\u2026 a quite remarkable stat about Jofra Archer\u2019s first over.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The average speed of it was 144.7kph (89.9mph) \u2013 the fastest any England bowler has bowled in the first over of a Test since records began in 2006. It\u2019s also the fastest first over of a Test in England in that time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Wheels.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a327bec8f082aa3ad0d9bf8&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a327bec8f082aa3ad0d9bf8&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a327bec8f082aa3ad0d9bf8#block-6a327bec8f082aa3ad0d9bf8\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-06-17T10:54:17.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 06:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time\">06.54 EDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a327a458f0824095b8b62bd\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>3rd over: New Zealand 9-0 (Latham 3, Conway 6) <\/strong>Archer cranks his speeds into the 90s. A trumpeter toots and the crowd cheers. It is so nice to watch some cricket. Conway edges behind sketchily for two and there\u2019s an appeal as the ball nips past the shoulder of his blade next ball. Close but no Cuban. Conway flays outside off again and gets four.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cSTOP GETTING THE NATIONAL WRONG!\u201d Emails Stephen Downing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cTired and blue blazered, fill yourself with\u2026 <em>pound coins<\/em>\u201d is a lyric from Mistaken for Strangers not Apartment Story.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">What can I say, I\u2019m a stranger to myself, Steve. Sorry.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"5a41f4ee-c866-441b-83ff-bf462d35f335\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-1y1vf5o\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/cgRsYkKb1eI?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"The National - Mistaken For Strangers\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a327a458f0824095b8b62bd&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a327a458f0824095b8b62bd&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a327a458f0824095b8b62bd#block-6a327a458f0824095b8b62bd\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a3279a88f08bd83c766ba57\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>2nd over: New Zealand 3-0 (Latham 3, Conway 0)<\/strong> Here comes Matt Fisher from the Vauxhall End, his first bowl in Test cricket since Root\u2019s last Test in charge four years ago in the Caribbean. He gets some immediate movement back in and finds his groove immediately, a maiden to start.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3279a88f08bd83c766ba57&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3279a88f08bd83c766ba57&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3279a88f08bd83c766ba57#block-6a3279a88f08bd83c766ba57\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a32774f8f08bd83c766ba2c\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>1st over: New Zealand 3-0 (Latham 3, Conway 0)<\/strong> Archer runs in from the Pavilion End, liquid smooth action and a back of a length ball that is clipped away neatly by Tom Latham for a couple into the leg side. New Zealand are up and running. Three slips and a gully for Archer. Penny for James Rew\u2019s thoughts keeping to Jofra for the first time, on his Test debut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Archer gets some zip and shape away. Latham takes a quick single to midwicket. Devon Conway on strike, he\u2019s had some week too \u2013 he flew home to NZ to be at the birth of his new baby and then back again, he\u2019s out there in the middle now facing nigh on 90mph. He plays and misses his first ball outside off. Well of course he does.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Peter Butler knows his Camus from his erm Cicero.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cAlbert Camus also famously said, \u201cAll that I know most surely about morality and obligations I owe to football\u201d. Which is why he never had a problem going on the piss after midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Arf.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a32774f8f08bd83c766ba2c&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a32774f8f08bd83c766ba2c&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a32774f8f08bd83c766ba2c#block-6a32774f8f08bd83c766ba2c\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3277008f08bd83c766ba28\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The anthems are dusted off rousingly. Joe Root leads out England for the first time in four years. Bright sunshine here at the Oval and a bit muggy, Jofra Archer is going to start off with the ball. Let\u2019s play!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3277008f08bd83c766ba28&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3277008f08bd83c766ba28&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3277008f08bd83c766ba28#block-6a3277008f08bd83c766ba28\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a3275868f0824095b8b6268\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cHi James. Thanks for the Camus piece.\u201d I wouldn\u2019t call it a Camus piece per se, Peter Salmon. Don\u2019t want to get the Philosophy crowd\u2019s hopes up\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cThe only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion\u201d might also suit Stokes&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Root back as captain though, does feel like normal service resumed. My favourite detail of the \u2018blazer in the garage\u2019 story is that he had 30 team sheets in the pockets. I had no idea this still happens at international level. That simple joy of tearing off one of the serrated sheets at the back of the scorebook, filling it in (first initial if you can\u2019t remember their name) and handing it to the opposite number &#8211; love that captains at this level still get to do it. Presumably they also still have to phone around on the day before the match to check everyone is still available, and to organise lifts? \u201cJamie\u2019s wife\u2019s gone into labour, but James Rew is available and has a van, so can take six&#8230;\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Love this.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3275868f0824095b8b6268&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3275868f0824095b8b6268&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3275868f0824095b8b6268#block-6a3275868f0824095b8b6268\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3275388f0824095b8b6262\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Nick Wiltshire has my back. I wouldn\u2019t mess with him&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cDear James, I really don\u2019t understand why people feel they need to email you to ask for this. It\u2019s not some esoteric mystery. Here\u2019s how to find it: go to the BBC\u2019s live coverage page. The link is prominently displayed in the sidebar on the left.<\/p>\n<p>For those who inexplicably cannot manage that simple bit of navigations, here it is:<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/TqXhD0hxPfk\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/live\/TqXhD0hxPfk<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Though if they can\u2019t do the first thing, I wonder how on earth they\u2019ll manage clicking on a link\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">That\u2019s you told!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3275388f0824095b8b6262&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3275388f0824095b8b6262&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3275388f0824095b8b6262#block-6a3275388f0824095b8b6262\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a32744d8f0824095b8b624e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The stumps are being put in place and there\u2019s blue skies above. We\u2019ll have some actual cricket in about ten minutes.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a32744d8f0824095b8b624e&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a32744d8f0824095b8b624e&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a32744d8f0824095b8b624e#block-6a32744d8f0824095b8b624e\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3273908f0824095b8b6248\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">A follower who wishes to remain incognito \u201cI\u2019m following on the sly\u2026\u201d gets in touch. I dare say you won\u2019t be the only one A.Nonymous.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cHi James, looking forward to an excellent Test and following the OBO. Is this the lowest number of combined letters in the England XI surnames since the Flower XI with Bell, Root, Cook, Trott etc (No wonder Pietersen felt left out)? Surely an indication that supremacy is once again due?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I\u2019m going to say yes and leave it at that.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3273908f0824095b8b6248&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3273908f0824095b8b6248&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3273908f0824095b8b6248#block-6a3273908f0824095b8b6248\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3272fd8f0824095b8b6240\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Chris Lintott is in Paris and needs furnishing\u2026<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cLooking forward to this as a Somerset fan who has enjoyed the rise of Rew (and we\u2019ll claim the very likeable cricket badger Baker too). Unfortunately I find myself in a shared office in the suburbs of Paris. Anyone got the overseas TMS link?\u201d<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3272fd8f0824095b8b6240&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3272fd8f0824095b8b6240&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3272fd8f0824095b8b6240#block-6a3272fd8f0824095b8b6240\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">England win the toss and choose to bowl first<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">If the blazer fits\u2026 Joe Root tosses the coin and Tom Latham calls\u2026 incorrectly. A cheer goes up around the Oval as Root confirms he\u2019s going to unleash his green pace attack.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cI want to make first use of this surface. I think it\u2019s a great opportunity for our attack to get out there and carry on the great work we did last week\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cIt\u2019s probably a bit tighter than it was!\u201d he says of the blazer.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"e16e8d26-d497-4eaa-8cbd-bd49e7ceb670\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-1y1vf5o\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/pRW-SwQ5ZI8?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"The National - &quot;Apartment Story&quot;\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cTired and blue blazered, fill yourself with\u2026 <em>pound coins<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46#block-6a3270918f082aa3ad0d9b46\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a326f688f08bd83c766b9d1\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">There has of course been all sorts written about \u2018the situation\u2019 in the last week. Some good, some bad and some downright ludicrous.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arrangements.substack.com\/p\/ben-stokes-and-the-invincible-summer\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I tried to articulate my own thoughts here<\/a>. By way of Albert Camus. I know. <em>La-di-dah.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>There\u2019s a funny bit at the end of the 2022 Ben Stokes documentary <em>Phoenix From The Ashes<\/em> where host and self-confessed cricket obsessive Sam Mendes quotes Albert Camus to a nonplussed Stokes.<\/p>\n<p>After a confusing but good-natured knockabout on some tatty astroturf on the outfield, both men stand on the balcony of Stokes\u2019 boyhood club, Cockermouth CC, as Mendes paraphrases the Nobel Prize-winning philosopher. Pre-empting the quote by explaining to Stokes that it is one that he himself has found meaningful in the context of a life spent writing and directing film and theatre.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018A man\u2019s work is nothing but the slow trek to rediscover those one or two great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Stokes stares at Mendes for a second, and then with perfect timing punctures the lofty atmosphere that has momentarily descended.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I\u2019ve got no idea what you just said,\u2019 he says with a small smile. \u2018Cut that.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a326f688f08bd83c766b9d1&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a326f688f08bd83c766b9d1&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a326f688f08bd83c766b9d1#block-6a326f688f08bd83c766b9d1\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a326e0e8f08bd83c766b9b6\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The sun is out now at the Oval, we\u2019ll have the toss in ten minutes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Just enough time to read this from Andy Bull, <em>the<\/em> piece to read on the Stokes farrago for mine.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-154zxly\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-scql1j\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>The problem here isn\u2019t so much that Stokes broke a curfew. It\u2019s that to begin with, England\u2019s management decided to set one. This Cinderella rule was brought in so they could be seen to be doing something after their own bad management during England\u2019s winter tour, in particular their failed attempt to cover up that situation with Brook, and their decision to send the players away for four nights of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2025\/dec\/10\/england-cricket-team-ben-stokes-mid-ashes-beach-break-australia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rest and recuperation in Noosa<\/a>, a place best known for its beach, bars, and craft beer scene. This England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regime may be the first in history whose biggest failing seems to have been that they could organise a piss-up in a brewery.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"f870177e-2d2a-4eac-8843-745b5e4c194a\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:3,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Stokes shouldn\u2019t lose his job for breaking curfew when ECB failings run so much deeper | Andy Bull&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f870177e-2d2a-4eac-8843-745b5e4c194a&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/jun\/09\/stokes-shouldnt-lose-his-job-for-breaking-curfew-when-the-ecbs-failings-run-so-much-deeper&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a326e0e8f08bd83c766b9b6&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a326e0e8f08bd83c766b9b6&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a326e0e8f08bd83c766b9b6#block-6a326e0e8f08bd83c766b9b6\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a326b658f0824095b8b61d4\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cShout out to Sky\u201d <s class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">emails a B Murdoch <\/s>emails John Plunkett. \u201cSurely the first time the same player has got the most caps, most runs, most wickets and most catches in the same team. Guess three out of four on a fair few occasions, but maybe never the full house?<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Also has one player ever had so many caps compared to the other 10 players?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Remarkable isn\u2019t it? Fancy another cortex tickler? Joe Root is the only player playing in this Test match who played in the first Test under McCullum back in 2022.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7289038\/2026\/05\/22\/joe-root-england-india-tendulkar-mccullum-interview\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I interviewed Joe before the first Test.<\/a> Pure class.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a326b658f0824095b8b61d4&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a326b658f0824095b8b61d4&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a326b658f0824095b8b61d4#block-6a326b658f0824095b8b61d4\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a326aae8f082aa3ad0d9ae7\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Another exciting debutant in this match is Sonny Baker. England have been comparing his speed through the air to Mark Wood, I see a certain amount of Darren Gough in him too, not least in his ebullient, almost puppyish enthusiasm for bowling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Taha did a nice interview with him a while back:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"6623490e-4d1b-4e06-8c91-16ffa331fc1d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:2,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Sonny Baker: \u2018I want to be the guy where people are coming out of the bar to watch you bowl\u2019&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;6623490e-4d1b-4e06-8c91-16ffa331fc1d&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2025\/mar\/28\/sonny-baker-i-want-to-be-the-guy-where-people-are-coming-out-of-the-bar-to-watch-you-bowl&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a326aae8f082aa3ad0d9ae7&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a326aae8f082aa3ad0d9ae7&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a326aae8f082aa3ad0d9ae7#block-6a326aae8f082aa3ad0d9ae7\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3269888f082aa3ad0d9ad8\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">\u201cWhat does Rehan Ahmed need to do to get in this team?\u201d ask Ian Batch. \u201cI thought he\u2019d be an ideal replacement for Stokes. Instead, we\u2019re playing a specialist batsman at 7? Why pick Bashir at Lord\u2019s but no spinner here when the Oval has been flat this year?<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I get it\u2019s been a chaotic mess since Lord\u2019s but Baz\/captain selections to me have been baffling since he took over. Anyway, here\u2019s hoping we get 5 good days of cricket. I\u2019ve optimistically bought a day 3 ticket, madness!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">They definitely like Rehan and I fancy we might see him later in the summer on a drier wicket. Surrey have\u2019t been playing a spinner here at the Oval and despite the weather being set to heat up England want to bolster their batting and feel like they can get overs of spin out of Root and Bethell.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Jordan Cox is a hugely exciting talent to have coming in at seven, he\u2019s in electric knick too.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3269888f082aa3ad0d9ad8&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3269888f082aa3ad0d9ad8&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3269888f082aa3ad0d9ad8#block-6a3269888f082aa3ad0d9ad8\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a3267578f082aa3ad0d9abf\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Hard to know how to feel after the last week but despite everything that has happened there is a real buzz at the Oval, debutants always have that effect and England have three of them. They are also fielding their most inexperienced bowling attack for two decades.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"9eb85d45-807a-42e4-9fd3-765cffaf4490\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:1,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;England hand debuts to Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox in second New Zealand Test&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;9eb85d45-807a-42e4-9fd3-765cffaf4490&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/jun\/15\/england-selection-second-test-ollie-robinson-ruled-out-new-zealand-cricket&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3267578f082aa3ad0d9abf&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3267578f082aa3ad0d9abf&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3267578f082aa3ad0d9abf#block-6a3267578f082aa3ad0d9abf\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3266298f082aa3ad0d9aad\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Joe Root is out in the middle with his pads on chatting away to Michael Vaughan and Brendon McCullum. He spoke really well yesterday:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"06c44298-a89a-4b49-83af-e9e241b733f4\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:1,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Stand-in captain Joe Root admits England have let themselves down with behaviour&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;06c44298-a89a-4b49-83af-e9e241b733f4&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/jun\/16\/we-have-to-learn-stand-in-captain-joe-root-addresses-ben-stokes-absence&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3266298f082aa3ad0d9aad&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3266298f082aa3ad0d9aad&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3266298f082aa3ad0d9aad#block-6a3266298f082aa3ad0d9aad\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a3264a78f0824095b8b6175\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The slightly annoying news is that it has been mizzling here in South London and the covers were all the way across the square when I arrived half an hour ago. The tentatively better news is that it is brightening up and the groundstaff are dragging off the tarpaulins as I type. <s class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">We should still get the toss in about fifteen minutes.<\/s><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Scratch that, the man on the tannoy announces that the toss has been delayed until 11am.<\/strong><\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a3264a78f0824095b8b6175&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a3264a78f0824095b8b6175&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a3264a78f0824095b8b6175#block-6a3264a78f0824095b8b6175\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-06-17T09:16:18.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 05:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time\">05.16 EDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Preamble<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-dzkvsd\">\n<div class=\"dcr-uae6pk\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=eb73166c6ed34247a3a7d2df4036a3b6\" alt=\"James Wallace\" class=\"dcr-lysqes\"\/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-sa35sa\">James Wallace<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Gus Atkinson flattened&#8230; Matt Henry\u2019s middle stump. Lord\u2019s witnesses England\u2019s first Test win since the crapshoot in Melbourne just after Christmas. Is this another reset? Maybe, maybe not. There\u2019s a nagging feeling it is more a re-emphasis of the end. The following day the text comes though, Stokes and Atkinson, drinks taken, curfew broken, punches thrown. Shock, confusion, despair. Both men dropped. Investigation pending. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/cricket\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cricket<\/a> regulator, rugby players, Rex Rooms. Stokes sacked? Stokes retired? Stokes silent. Rob Key talks, Stokes not backed, prohibition mooted. Harry Brook as captain? After Wellington? Not likely. Joe Root digs his old blazer out of the garage. It\u2019s crumpled but still fits. Of course it is Rooty, there\u2019ll always be Rooty, won\u2019t there? McCullum speaks, he\u2019s worried about Ben. We all are. Come on. We can\u2019t lose Stokes, over this? We still might lose Stokes over this. Ollie Robinson scan, Ollie Robinson out. Injured again. Bad luck or bad conditioning. Or both? Kane Williamson retires? Not now Kane! Well played Kane. A World Cup starts. Not that one. Edgbaston, are they\u2026 singing witches? Why not. A win and a Wyatt-Hodge ton. Distraction from the distraction. Then back. Jofra back, Matthew Fisher back. Debuts for Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox. Jamie Smith swaps his gloves for nappies. Debut for James Rew. Five changes, three debutants. New captain, old captain. 1-0. Remember? The Oval. Deep breath. On we go.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Welcome to the fever dream that is English cricket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Welcome to the Guardian\u2019s OBO. <strong>Play begins at 11am.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Wonder what we\u2019ll talk about until then?<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v New Zealand: second men\u2019s Test, day one \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3#block-6a314cb58f084ec9fe8281f3\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;sport&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-v-new-zealand-2026&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;England v New Zealand 2026&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-cricket-team&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;England cricket team&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/cricket&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cricket&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/new-zealand-cricket-team&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;New Zealand cricket team&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/sport&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sport&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/over-by-over-reports&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Over by over reports&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/james-wallace&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;James Wallace&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=aa7d18847f4d269f8eed30ab90428ddb&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=eb73166c6ed34247a3a7d2df4036a3b6&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/uk-sport&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK Sport&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/jun\/17\/cricket-england-v-new-zealand-second-test-match-live&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-v-new-zealand-2026,sport\/england-cricket-team,sport\/cricket,sport\/new-zealand-cricket-team,sport\/sport,sport\/over-by-over-reports&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;isSensitive&quot;:false}\"\/><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key events WICKET! Devon Conway c Rew b Fisher 9 (New Zealand 14-1) Conway is strangled down the leg side.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34038,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_animmysite_disable_animation":false,"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/6887e80498f771bc318d089a12038e99dbdce60a\/258_0_3742_2993\/master\/3742.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&precrop=40:21,offset-x50,offset-y0&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctbGl2ZS5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=f546ead7bc81097894afdeb643ac42ea","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[214],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34037","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa-politics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34037","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34037"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34037\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34037"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34037"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34037"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}