Legendary performance': Cricket world reacts as Matt Henry's maiden 10-wicket Test haul powers NZ past ENG at The Oval
Legendary performance': Cricket world reacts as Matt Henry's maiden 10-wicket Test haul powers NZ past ENG at The Oval originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Matt Henry claimed his maiden ten-wicket Test haul as New Zealand beat England by 253 runs at The Oval.The win levels the three-match series 1-1, setting up a decider at Trent Bridge from Thursday.Henry took the prized wickets of Joe Root and Harry Brook in both innings as England collapsed on the final day.New Zealand levels the series after heroic performance from Matt HenryNew Zealand completed a commanding 253-run victory over England at The Oval on Sunday, levelling the three-match series 1-1 with a performance built around Matt Henry's maiden ten-wicket Test haul. England, resuming the final day in pursuit of an improbable target, lost their last five wickets in just 48 minutes to hand the Black Caps a deserved win.What a delivery that is from Matt Henry!His first-ever 10-wicket haul in Test match cricket pic.twitter.com/UVOkzbQi3E Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 21, 2026The visitors had controlled the contest from the second day onwards. Glenn Phillips' maiden Test century anchored New Zealand's first-innings total of 391 before Henry Nicholls' 121 in the second innings extended the lead beyond England's reach. England were bowled out for 291 in their first innings and offered only Joe Root's resistance in the second.Henry was the difference across both innings. The seamer, troubled by back spasms during New Zealand's defeat at Lord's a fortnight earlier, returned to full fitness and finished with 5/80 in the first innings and another five-wicket haul with figures of 6/29 in the second, his first ten-wicket match return in Test cricket.MORE:Will Ben Stokes play in England vs New Zealand 3rd Test?Henry's match-defining ten-wicket haulHenry's performance carried weight beyond the raw numbers. He claimed the prized wickets of Root and Brook in both innings, dismantling England's most important batting pair each time they threatened to build a stand. Root, who became the second man to reach 14,000 Test runs during the match, found precious little support around him.The milestone also reframed the series opener. New Zealand won at Lord's without a fully fit Henry, and his commanding display at The Oval prompted reflection on how different that first Test might have been had his back allowed him a full part in the contest. Henry also became the first bowler since the legendary Shane Warne to take 10 wickets at the iconic Oval.Matt Henry becomes the first bowler since Shane Warne in the 2005 Ashes to take a ten-wicket match haul at The Oval, and the first seamer since Devon Malcolm in 1994 pic.twitter.com/pvh476TJA9 ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 21, 2026Warne was the last bowler with such a dominant display back in 2005. Since then, nobody had taken 10 wickets, with the closest person being English bowler Josh Tongue at last year's five Test series against India.The cricket world reacts to a legendary displayThe reaction across social media was immediate and effusive. "Matt Henry gets another 5-fer and 10 wickets in the match!!! What a legendary performance!!" tweeted CSA correspondent The Popping Crease.It was clear just how dominant Henry's performance was and calling it legendary was totally apt.Matt Henry gets another 5-fer and 10 wickets in the match!!!What a legendary performance!! #ENGvNZpic.twitter.com/ZsDeVx0oQZ ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 21, 2026Meanwhile, journalist Will Macphersonwrote, "New Zealand won the second Test by 253 runs. Heroic stuff from Matt Henry, who finishes with 11 wickets." He continued, "Sets up a box office decider at Trent Bridge from Thursday. A sorry showing from England, who were completely outplayed and lost their last 5 wickets in 48 minutes today."New Zealand win the second Test by 253 runs. Heroic stuff from Matt Henry, who finishes with 11 wickets. Sets up a box office decider at Trent Bridge from Thursday. A sorry showing from England, who were completely outplayed and lost their last 5 wickets in 48 minutes today. Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) June 21, 2026Macpherson believes that England could have played better, and while his critique might appear a bit harsh to some fans, the fact that, other than Root, not a single player had the grit for the game says much about the English batting side.Meanwhile, Michael Appleton highlighted the significance of Henry taking the most important England wickets of Root and Brook across both innings, again questioning how the Lord's Test might have unfolded had the seamer played a full part. Root looked dangerous as he reached 75 before Henry scalped his wicket, thus crumbling England's innings.Matt Henry has ten wickets for the match - the first time in his Test career - and hes taken by far the most important wickets of Root & Brook in both innings.Boy how different the first Test might have been if hed played a full part at Lords. Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) June 21, 2026He wrote, "Matt Henry has ten wickets for the matchthe first time in his Test careerand hes taken by far the most important wickets of Root & Brook in both innings. Boy, how different the first Test might have been if hed played a full part at Lords."What's next: England face a Trent Bridge deciderThe defeat leaves England's new-look side, still missing the suspended Ben Stokes, with much to address before Trent Bridge on Thursday. Root's unbeaten 75 in the second innings was a lone hand, and England was second best for four consecutive days after an even opening day at The Oval.Jamie Smith is expected to return from paternity leave in Nottingham to keep wicket, with debutant James Rew under pressure after a difficult match behind the stumps. The series now hinges on a single Test, a far cry from the position England held after their Lord's win.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to ourFacebook,Instagram,andX (Twitter)pages.