Joe Root's masterful century led England to a five-wicket win in the first Test against New Zealand on the fourth day at Lord's.
Root, who ended 115 not out, also became the second England batter after Sir Alastair Cook to reach 10,000 Test runs as new England men’s Head Coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes made a winning start.
From 216-5 overnight, 61 short of their target of 277, the home side were taken to victory by Root’s unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 120 with Ben Foakes, who made 32 not out.
Despite the challenge of the gloomy conditions, the England pair were assured throughout, taking the tension away from what could have been a nerve-shredding morning.
When Root pulled Tim Southee for the winning boundary, it completed a remarkable turnaround from 69-4 on the third afternoon and finally gave England a Test win after only one in their previous 17 matches.
The match was set-up on the fourth day after a Stuart Broad inspired fight back on the third day, which say three wickets fall in three balls in the morning session to turn the match on its head.
For New Zealand, the world Test champions, a seven-match undefeated run against England has come to an end.
The second match in the three-Test series begins at Trent Bridge on Friday.
Day Four tickets available for England v India Test
England will host India twice in Birmingham next summer with a five-day LV= Insurance Test Match starting on Friday 1 July, before competing in a Vitality IT20 on Saturday 9 July.
Only tickets for Day Four of the Test Match are still available. Buy online today at tickets.edgbaston.com.
