Henry Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra power New Zealand to 352-run lead over England after Day 3

Henry Nicholls made an instant impact on his return to New Zealand colours, stepping in for the retired Kane Williamson and delivering a composed unbeaten century to push his side into a dominant position against England on day three of the Test at The Oval. By stumps on Friday, New Zealand had reached 252 for 3 in their second innings, effectively stretching their overall lead to 352 after bowling England out for 291 just before lunch. Nicholls remained unbeaten on 119, anchoring the innings alongside Rachin Ravindra, who made a fluent 76 before his dismissal after tea.

The pair added 161 runs from 201 balls, setting a new record for New Zealand’s highest partnership at The Oval. Their stand first stabilised the innings, then steadily built control before shifting gears after tea, when they began scoring at nearly six an over with crisp timing and clean strokeplay. New Zealand’s position puts them firmly in charge of the match, with seven wickets still in hand and the opportunity to push towards a 500-run lead.

That would leave England facing a steep fourth-innings challenge, especially given their history at the venue. Their highest successful chase at The Oval remains 263 against Australia in 1902, while their highest ever fourth-innings chase anywhere is 378 for 3 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 during the Bazball era. Nicholls, who arrived in London only last Sunday after Williamson’s shock retirement, admitted the transition was unexpected.

“(Williamson retiring) was a bit of a shock to everyone,” he said. “I've been lucky enough to play a lot of my cricket with Kane. I wasn't ever going to be able to replace him.

I just really enjoyed being back in test cricket, you want to contribute. It was fun, the partnership with Rachin and with Daryl (Mitchell) at the end there.” Walking in early at 8 for 1, Nicholls faced Jofra Archer bowling at high pace and had to settle quickly.

He survived the initial burst, then rebuilt after Devon Conway’s dismissal alongside