England vs New Zealand: Joe Root stands between hosts and defeat at The Oval

Discussing Root as a stand-in captain, director of cricket Rob Key said the Yorkshireman regularly rescues England from 10-2. Key was close. In England's second innings it was 13-2.

Emilio Gay chipped Jamieson to mid-wicket and Jacob Bethell's worrying form continued when he was lbw to the same bowler for a duck. Root arrived to tick off yet another milestone in his glittering career, then Ben Duckett tamely hooked Will O'Rourke to mid-on.

Root was joined by Brook just before tea and, after the break, England launched a blistering assault. The opening five overs of the session, the first of which was a maiden, yielded 43 runs. The atmosphere was electric.

Root dabbed, cut and guided to the third man fence. He was the first to overturn an lbw decision off Henry - once again bowling with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up to the stumps - because of an inside edge. Root was on 44 at the time.

Brook showed touches of genius. He whipped a six over square leg and slashed the ball through the off side in a 33-ball half-century. Brook also got an inside edge on a Henry lbw shout, only to jab the relentless seamer to slip.

Brook's exit was a moment of danger for England, but debutant Rew followed an improved wicketkeeping display by showing composure for his 15. He was unfortunate to be leg before on review to Jamieson, missing a pull to a ball that skidded through and hit him above his pads.