A terrific maiden Test century by Glenn Phillips and a clinical bowling performance put New Zealand firmly in the driver’s seat, leaving England reeling at 222 for 6 on Day 2 of the second Test at Kennington Oval. At stumps, the hosts still trail New Zealand’s first-innings total of 391 by 169 runs, facing a steep uphill battle.The morning session belonged entirely to Phillips. Resuming at an overnight 291 for 7, the dynamic all-rounder braved a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from England’s rookie pace attack to complete a memorable, counter-attacking 100. Along with Tom Blundell’s steady 51 and some lower-order resistance, the Kiwis posted a commanding 391. For England, youngster Jacob Bethell was the surprise star with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 26 to wrap up the tail.In reply, England’s makeshift top-order started positively but crumbled under the weight of relentless Kiwi accuracy. Opener Ben Duckett fell for a brisk 36, while debutant Emilio Gay played a gritty anchor role. Gay notched a well-constructed 53 off 114 balls to steady the ship, but his resistance was broken just as he looked set for a massive score.The turning point came under the evening sunshine as New Zealand’s relentless accuracy kept the pressure on with regular breakthroughs. Frontline pacer Matt Henry ran through the middle order, prising out two crucial wickets, including that of England’s interim captain Joe Root for a well-made 46.The middle-order collapse quickly gained track as England slipped dramatically from a comfortable 143 for 2 to a precarious 177 for 5. Harry Brook, whose third scoring shot was an outrageous, slap-shot six over backward point off a 90mph/145kph thunderbolt from Will O’Rourke, fell soon after in a similarly aggressive fashion.The slide left England desperately needing a rescue act from the two newest recruits in the middle-order, James Rew and Jordan Cox, both playing their maiden Test innings. The debutants showed stomach for a fight, putting together a gritty 40-run stand. James Rew was handed a massive lifeline on 23 when Rachin Ravindra put down a top edge at fine leg. However, the youngster failed to make the reprieve count as O’Rourke got his man just two overs later with another venomous, well-directed bumper.With England stuttering at 222 for 6 at the close of play, New Zealand will head into Day 3 with a upper hand, while the hosts face a monumental task to bridge the 169-run deficit.