Bairstow’s heroics seals series win against the current World Champions

A sensational century from Jonny Bairstow led England to a stunning five wicket victory over New Zealand at Trent Bridge in the second test, which clinched a series victory over the current World Champions.

On a day that will leave long in the minds of the 17,000 crowd, Bairstow smashed the second fastest century by an England batter in Test cricket as England strolled to what appeared to be a trick target of 299 from a minimum of 72 overs.

At tea, the game was in the balance with all three results possible, but Bairstow along with his captain Ben Stokes came out all guns blazing to see England comfortably over the line.

Bairstow’s outrageous hitting after tea to him to his century from 77 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 136 which came off 92 balls and included 14 fours and seven sixes in front of a full house.

Stokes guided England home with 75 not out to complete the win with 22 overs to spare in the Nottingham sunshine.

The win was remarkable as it was just England’s second win in their last 18 matches after a remarkable turnaround after New Zealand posted 553 in their first innings after being put in. It is also the highest total England have conceded in a Test which they have gone on to wince since 1894.

The visitors 553, included a magnificent 190 from Daryl Mitchell and 106 from Tom Blundell. The pair added 236 for the fifth wicket as England struggled on a flat pitch.

James Anderson was the pick of the England attack picking up 3-62 with Jack Leach bowling 35 overs with figures of 2-140.

England’s reply started badly when Zac Crawley(4) edged Trent Boult behind. Opener Alex Lees, who is looking more like a proper test opener- went on to make 67 before edging to first slip.

A half-century from Ben Foakes and 46 from the skipper left England only 14 behind after being bowled out for 539, with Boult taking 5-106.

New Zealand lost Tom Latham(4) after leaving a delivery from Anderson alone, but half centuries from Will Young and Devon Conway rescued the visitors.

Despite an unbeaten 62 from Mitchell, New Zealand were dismissed for 284 to leave England 299 for victory.

Crawley had a match to forget after a second innings duck. Ollie Pope made 18 before nicking behind off Matt Henry. The Kiwis tails were up, especially after claiming the key wicket of Joe Root who was caught and bowled for three.

By the time Lees was dismissed for 44, England were wobbling on 93-4. Enter Bairstow and Stokes to steady the ship. The pair took the score at tea to 139-4, still a further 160 runs away from victory before the fireworks of the final session began as England wrapped up victory in a day that nobody at Trent Bridge will ever forget.

Special praise should also go to Trent Bridge to make the decision that entry would be free on the final day. A terrific call which other test grounds could learn by.

The third and final test will be at Headingley on Thursday 23^rd June, with England looking to make it a 3-0 series win and New Zealand looking to salvage some pride as they travel up to Yorkshire, hopeful for a consolation win.

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