Phillips’ maiden test century leads priceless morning for New Zealand at The Oval

LONDON (AP) — Glenn Phillips' maiden test century led a priceless second morning for New Zealand against England at The Oval on Thursday.

New Zealand was bowled for 391 after resuming on 291-7 and Phillips was the last man out for an even 100 on a warm, sunny morning.

The Black Caps would have thought 350 a bonus with their tail exposed and the new ball imminent.

But England's own valid hopes of quickly cleaning up the tail were undermined by overdoing the short balls and not having its most potent weapon, Jofra Archer. His eight overs in a row of venom bowled at the end of Wednesday were exhilarating but probably also taxing in his first test since December.

England's leading striker didn't appear until close to lunch, the 19th over of the morning. He collected New Zealand's ninth wicket and the innings was over moments later.

Archer's duel with Phillips on Wednesday night was the highlight of the first day. Archer's barrage of bouncers landed Phillips frequently on his back, along with blows on a finger and two on the shoulder.

But by the time Archer reappeared on Thursday, Phillips was on 97. Maybe fittingly, Phillips hit two runs and a single off Archer to reach his first test hundred. Archer gave Phillips a congratulatory tap on the back.

Thanks to England's misplaced short-ball tactic, Phillips and tailender Kyle Jamieson cashed in.