Jonny Bairstow produced an innings for the ages as England claimed a thrilling and unlikely victory over New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Ben Stokes’ men clinched the three-match series by chasing down 299 in 50 overs on the final day, claiming an astonishing five-wicket victory over the Kiwis.
A thrilling innings from Bairstow inspired England to victoryAFP
After slipping to 93/4, including the loss of talisman Joe Root before tea, there were fears of an all-too familiar England collapse until Bairstow arrived at the crease.
Despite the high stakes, he hit 136 off 77 balls, recording the second-fastest Test century in England history.
Bairstow eventually fell at 272/5 – but the remarkable job was already done in front of a sell-out crowd in Nottingham and the remaining runs were a formality for Stokes and Ben Foakes.
Stokes battled through a knee injury to bludgeon his side to victory, with the captain finishing on 75 not-out as England chased their highest-ever Test total at Trent Bridge.
Stokes was sensational too as England ended their barren runAFP
Most read in Sport
STATEMENT
‘I stand with Julius’ – BOXPARK founder/CEO defends Julius Francis over viral KO
NEWS
Frank Warren teases big Tyson Fury announcement TONIGHT
rowdy
UFC legend Ronda Rousey reveals she would end her retirement to fight MMA pioneer
OUT COLD
Boxer who once fought Mike Tyson KOs aggressive punter while working as security
PROFIT
Five best bets for Royal Ascot: With a 12/1 outsider and 9/2 serial winner
scary
Two doctors climb onto ring to stop Vargas vs Linger when ref refuses to call fight
A run of five series without a win has been ended by two extraordinary victories over a New Zealand team which was top of the Test Championship.
But it is the gung-ho nature of both wins which truly marks a rejuvenative start to Stokes’ reign as captain under new head-coach Brendon McCullum.
England were seemingly up against it after the tourists piled on 553 runs in their first innings, but a transformative approach saw the fearless hosts claim one of their greatest-ever and most unlikely wins.
Offers Of The Day
888Sport – Bet £20 On Horse Racing, Get £40 In Free Bets For Royal Ascot* – CLAIM HERE
Bet365 – Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets* – CLAIM HERE
888Sport: Min deposit £/€/$10 • Offer is valid until 18/06/2022 23:59 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$20 on Horse Racing market • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets expire after 5 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Bet365: Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org