Jonny Bairstow's astonishing century led England to a stunning win in the second Test against New Zealand which sealed a series victory.
On a breathless final day at Trent Bridge, Bairstow made the second-fastest century by an England batter in Test cricket as the hosts strolled to what should have been a challenging target of 299 from 72 overs.
Bairstow’s outrageous hitting in the spell after tea took him to three figures from 77 balls, only just missing the England record of 76 balls that has stood for 120 years. He was eventually out for 136 from 92 balls, having clubbed 14 fours and seven sixes in front of a delirious full house.
It was left to captain Ben Stokes, who ended 75 not out, to complete the win with 22 overs to spare. England had scored at almost a run a ball.
It sealed a remarkable turnaround from New Zealand posting 553 in their first innings after being asked to bat. It is the highest total England have conceded in a Test which they have gone on to win since 1894.
They take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, vindicating the freewheeling approach of new captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. The home side can complete a clean sweep in the third and final Test at Headingley next week.
“I can’t take too much credit for that. For all five days, the boys were phenomenal with bat, ball and in the field,” said Stokes. “I think today was set up perfectly for the way we want to go about things looking forward. We don’t want to back away and stand still.
“Today just wow, unbelievable. I don’t know what to do. It’s not just about today, it’s about the four days before. The work ethic everyone had before today was fantastic. You don’t win from just one day. The way we fought back after 500 on the board.”
Test cricket returns to Edgbaston from Friday 1 July as England host India for the rescheduled final match of the LV= Insurance Test series, which was due to take place in 2021. India currently lead the series, 2-1.
Tickets for Day One, Two and Three are sold out and only limited tickets are now left for Day Four.
England v India Test Match: Limited Day Four tickets left
Day One, Two and Three are now sold out and only a limited number of tickets remain for Day Four for the England v India Test Match at Edgbaston, 1-5 July 2022.
Tickets for Day Four are available from only £26 with under 16s £6, while Day Five tickets are also on sale now.
