'How did that get there?!' - Bethell's brilliant catch removes Latham
Second Rothesay Test, The Kia Oval (day one of five)
New Zealand 291-7: Blundell 51, Phillips 49*; Bethell 2-8, Baker 2-63
England sought to move past the Ben Stokes controversy with a solid opening day in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval.
Captain Ben Stokes and pace bowler Gus Atkinson were unavailable pending an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub following England's victory in the first Test.
In their absence, an England side led by Joe Root, who made five changes from the first Test including three debutants, worked diligently to restrict New Zealand to 291-7 by the close on a true batting surface.
Root's decision to field first on a damp, humid morning was vindicated. Sonny Baker, one of the debutants, took 2-63, while Jofra Archer bowled a fast and thrilling spell late in the day but claimed only one wicket.
Glenn Phillips was the unfortunate batsman to face Archer's pace, surviving to reach 49 not out. Jacob Bethell, with left-arm spin, took two wickets, capitalizing on New Zealand's lapses.
Daryl Mitchell, dropped on two, scored 44 and Tom Blundell made 51, but several of New Zealand's top order failed to convert promising starts.
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Following the extraordinary events since England's first Test win, the start of this match offered the home side some relief from off-field distractions.
The inclusion of new players injected energy into the England team, especially as Baker, wicketkeeper James Rew, and batter Jordan Cox received their caps before play.
Root's decision to field first was expected. Rain delayed the start by half an hour, the atmosphere was humid, and the pitch had a light green tinge. Although the ball moved in the air, conditions favored batting, contrasting with the challenging Lord's pitch used in the first Test, which concluded in 166 overs.
In his first Test as captain in over four years, Root was active, directing field placements from first slip and consulting frequently with vice-captain Harry Brook. Root adopted an aggressive field setting, often positioning numerous catchers. At one point, Brook bowled medium pace with eight fielders close to the bat.
England required some luck for most wickets, and Phillips' innings underscored the pitch's batting-friendly nature before his encounter with Archer.
Bethell's two late wickets were a bonus, capitalizing on New Zealand's errors, leaving England well placed to contend for the series.
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