Recalled to the side following Kane Williamson’s retirement, Nicholls struck an unbeaten 119 to help New Zealand reach 252/3 in their second innings at stumps on Day 3. With a first-innings lead of 100, the Black Caps extended their overall advantage to a daunting 352 runs with seven wickets still in hand.
New Zealand are under pressure to win the match and force a series decider in Nottingham next week. Having seen England chase down targets successfully in all three Tests during their 2022 tour, the visitors will be keen to build an even bigger cushion before declaring.
New Zealand’s second innings got off to a shaky start when Nicholls walked in at 8/1 in just the third over and had to deal with the pace of Jofra Archer, who regularly touched 147 kph.
After the early loss of Devon Conway, Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra steadied the innings before taking control. The pair added 161 runs from 201 balls, New Zealand’s highest partnership at The Oval.
While Nicholls played the anchor role, Ravindra looked to score freely and survived an early scare when wicketkeeper James Rew dropped him on seven.
The duo reached tea with patient half-centuries before accelerating dramatically in the final session. England’s bowlers struggled to contain them as New Zealand scored at nearly six runs an over after tea.
Nicholls reached his fifty from 72 balls, while Ravindra completed his first Test fifty against England off 79 deliveries.
