Glenn Phillips registered his name into New Zealand cricket history with a maiden Test century as the Black Caps tightened their grip on the second Test against England at The Oval on Day 2.The Kiwi all-rounder became just the third New Zealand batter to score international centuries in all three formats of the game: Tests, ODIs and T20Is, joining legendary former captain Brendon McCullum and prolific opener Martin Guptill in an exclusive club.
| Batter | Test 100s | ODI 100s | T20I 100s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brendon McCullum | 12 | 5 | 2 |
| Martin Guptill | 3 | 18 | 2 |
| Glenn Phillips | 1 | 1 | 2 |
While the New Zealand great Kane Williamson, is the leading century maker for the Black Caps with a total of 48 centuries, but has never scored a T20I century, his highest score was 95 against India in 2020. Glenn Phillips century made him the 35th player in the world to score century in all three formats.
Glenn’s century helped New Zealand post a commanding total
Resuming the day unbeaten on 49, Phillips showcased both patience and aggression to bring up his maiden Test hundred off 133 deliveries. His landmark knock helped New Zealand post a commanding first-innings total of 391. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson provided valuable support with a gritty 41, while England spinner Jacob Bethell wrapped up the innings efficiently, finishing with impressive figures of 3/26.In response, England struggled to keep pace with the visitors. Opener Emilio Gay offered resistance with a composed 53, registering his second consecutive Test half-century. However, his dismissal shifted the momentum firmly back in New Zealand’s favour.Seamer Matt Henry then produced a crucial spell during the evening session, striking in successive overs to remove stand-in captain Joe Root for 46 and Harry Brook for 24 via tight lbw decisions. The double blow derailed England’s hopes of mounting a meaningful counterattack.Debutants James Rew and Jordan Cox attempted to steady the innings with a 39-run partnership, but New Zealand struck again late in the day. Will O’Rourke dismissed Rew for 24 shortly before stumps, leaving Cox unbeaten on 22 and England in a precarious position.At stumps on Day 2, England were 222/6, still trailing New Zealand by 169 runs, with the visitors firmly in control heading into the third day.
What do you think is the key factor for New Zealand’s current lead?
Brief Scores: New Zealand 391 all out (Glenn Phillips 100, Kyle Jamieson 41; Jacob Bethell 3/26) lead England 222/6 (Emilio Gay 53, Joe Root 46; Matt Henry 2 wickets) by 169 runs.
