Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson missed the Oval Test after a midnight nightclub exit, leaving England to face a New Zealand side that exploited the absence. The hosts, weakened by injured Ollie Robinson and Jamie Smith on paternity leave, could not match the Kiwis’ pace. New Zealand finished the match with a 253‑run victory, leveling the series 1‑1.

Without Stokes, Atkinson, Robinson and Smith, England fielded three debutants and a fast bowler in his first Test in four years. The thin lineup failed to contain Matthew Fisher’s five wickets, James Rew’s chaotic wicket‑keeping, or Sonny Baker’s early runs, and the team’s morale. New Zealand’s bowlers exploited the early misfires, taking a 100‑run lead in under 20 overs on day two.

Stokes will return as captain for the deciding Test at Trent Bridge, bringing back the leadership that New Zealand’s success highlighted as missing. The match will decide a series that has seen England’s form wobble after a chaotic winter and a 4‑2 loss in football. The outcome will cement Stokes’ role and define England’s path forward for the national team’s future.