Joe Root Leads England Against New Zealand as Series Heats Up at Kia Oval
England takes a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against New Zealand after a commanding 115-run victory at Lord's. The second Test unfolds at the Kia Oval, where Joe Root steps in as captain for Ben Stokes, who is absent due to a nightclub incident following the first Test. As the match progresses, England has handed debuts to promising talents Sonny Baker, James Rew, and Jordan Cox. The final Test is scheduled to take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham starting June 25. Key points to note: England leads the series 1-0. Joe Root captains the team in Stokes' absence. New players debuting at the Oval include Baker, Rew, and Cox. The series concludes with the last match at Trent Bridge.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-06-18