Glenn Phillips etched his name into New Zealand cricket history with a maiden Test century, helping the Black Caps tighten their grip on the second Test against England at The Oval on Day 2. The all-rounder became just the third New Zealand batter to score international centuries in all three formats of the game—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—joining legendary former captain Brendon McCullum and prolific opener Martin Guptill in an exclusive club.
Exclusive Club of All-Format Centurions
Phillips' achievement places him among New Zealand's elite. The table below shows the centuries scored by the three players across formats:
- Brendon McCullum: 12 Test 100s, 5 ODI 100s, 2 T20I 100s
- Martin Guptill: 3 Test 100s, 18 ODI 100s, 2 T20I 100s
- Glenn Phillips: 1 Test 100, 1 ODI 100, 1 T20I 100
Notably, New Zealand great Kane Williamson, the leading century-maker for the Black Caps with 48 centuries overall, has never scored a T20I century; his highest score in the format is 95 against India in 2020. Glenn Phillips' century makes him the 40th player worldwide to score centuries in all three formats.
Phillips' Knock Lifts New Zealand to Commanding Total
Resuming the day unbeaten on 49, Phillips showcased both patience and aggression to bring up his maiden Test hundred off 133 deliveries. His landmark knock helped New Zealand post a commanding first-innings total of 391. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson provided valuable support with a gritty 41, while England spinner Jacob Bethell wrapped up the innings efficiently, finishing with impressive figures of 3/26.
In response, England struggled to keep pace with the visitors. Opener Emilio Gay offered resistance with a composed 53, registering his second consecutive Test half-century. However, his dismissal shifted the momentum firmly back in New Zealand's favour.
Henry's Double Strike Derails England
Seamer Matt Henry produced a crucial spell during the evening session, striking in successive overs to remove stand-in captain Joe Root for 46 and Harry Brook for 24 via tight lbw decisions. The double blow derailed England's hopes of mounting a meaningful counterattack.
Debutants James Rew and Jordan Cox attempted to steady the innings with a 39-run partnership, but New Zealand struck again late in the day. Will O'Rourke dismissed Rew for 24 shortly before stumps, leaving Cox unbeaten on 22 and England in a precarious position.
Stumps on Day 2
At stumps on Day 2, England were 222/6, still trailing New Zealand by 169 runs, with the visitors firmly in control heading into the third day.
Brief Scores: New Zealand 391 all out (Glenn Phillips 100, Kyle Jamieson 41; Jacob Bethell 3/26) lead England 222/6 (Emilio Gay 53, Joe Root 46; Matt Henry 2 wickets) by 169 runs.
