England's bowlers and fielders imploded on day two at The Oval, allowing New Zealand to add 100 runs in just 19.2 overs before being bowled out for 391. Michael Atherton's scathing assessment using words like "inept" and "brainless" captured a morning session where England's short-pitched barrage failed spectacularly against the lower order.

Glenn Phillips capitalized with a maiden Test century while Kyle Jamieson contributed 41 in a crucial 87-run partnership. The debutant bowling attack, featuring Sonny Baker and Matt Fisher, repeatedly missed their targets as bouncers sailed down leg-side and fielding lapses proved costly. Even part-time spinner Jacob Bethell was introduced early as Josh Tongue and Baker leaked runs consistently.

Former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton criticized the tactical approach, noting England's persistent failure to dismiss tailenders effectively. Hussain observed that short-pitched bowling rarely works against lower-order batsmen and questioned why England doesn't employ the same lbw strategy that trapped Joe Root and Harry Brook in New Zealand's first innings.

With Ben Stokes suspended and multiple debutants in the lineup, Joe Root captained in his 65th Test but oversaw a performance that handed New Zealand the initiative. The Black Caps' 391 total puts them in the driver's seat, leaving England to rue a morning where poor execution and questionable tactics cost them dearly.