Nicholls to replace Williamson at No. 3 for Oval Test
New Zealand captain Tom Latham confirms Henry Nicholls will bat at number three in the must-win second Test against England.
Henry Nicholls has been handed the task of filling Kane Williamson's shoes at number three for the second Test against England at The Oval. Williamson's sudden retirement from international cricket last week left a significant gap in the Black Caps' batting order, and the team management has opted for the experienced left-hander over recent call-up Will Young.
Nicholls, who has not played for New Zealand since early 2023, earned his recall after a prolific Plunket Shield season. He topped the run charts with 870 runs in 11 innings at an average of 96.66, including three centuries and five half-centuries. Captain Tom Latham praised Nicholls' domestic form and confirmed his role at number three, a position he has often occupied for Canterbury.
The second Test is a must-win for New Zealand, who trail 1-0 in the series. A win would keep their hopes alive of a first series victory in England since 1999. The match begins on Thursday at The Oval.