Henry Nicholls, recalled by New Zealand to replace retired great Kane Williamson, has smacked an unbeaten century against England to help boost their lead to a formidable 352 on day three of the second Test at the Oval.
The Black Caps were 3-252 in their second innings at stumps on Friday, after earning a hefty 100-run first innings lead by dismissing England for 291 on the stroke of lunch.
Nicholls reached stumps on 119 and featured on a blue sky day with Rachin Ravindra, out for 76. They first steadied the innings, rebuilt it, then flayed England after tea.
Their partnership of 161 from 201 balls is New Zealand's highest ever at the Oval.
New Zealand must win the match to set up a series decider in the third Test in Nottingham next week, and with seven wickets still in hand, they'll be looking to impose a 500-run lead before unleashing their rested pace attack.
.png?w=600)
