Jonny Bairstow played an innings for the ages to help England chase 299 in only 50 overs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Bairstow raced to his hundred in 77 balls – the second-fastest by an Englishman in Test cricket – and eventually fell for 136 off just 92 balls. In all, he hit 14 fours and seven sixes, in a performance so belligerent that even Ben Stokes' unbeaten 70-ball 75 (10 fours, four sixes) seemed pedestrian in comparison.
Stokes joined Bairstow when England, chasing 299 in 72 overs, had been reduced to 93/4. At that point they needed 194 in 280 balls. Already 1-0 up in the series, England had the option of shutting shop and playing for a draw. Instead, Bairstow cut loose, taking on every bowler. After taking 51 balls to reach his fifty, he took another 41 for the next 86. Stokes, having opted for a relatively sedate role during the partnership – they added 179 in 121 balls – exploded once he reached his fifty. The two men were particularly harsh on debutant Michael Bracewell, whose eight overs went for 60.
New Zealand missed the injured Kyle Jamieson sorely. Trent Boult (3-94) bowled his heart out, taking eight wickets in the Test match, but he lacked quality pace support at the other end. Tim Southee and Matt Henry had an ordinary Test match; both returned identical figures of 1-67.
Earlier, New Zealand, having resumed their innings on 224/7, added another 60 on the final morning. After Henry fell early, Jamieson emerged despite his back pain, but Stuart Broad (3-70) bounced him out. However, Boult hit three fours in his 15-ball 17 and added 35 with Daryl Mitchell (60*) for the last wicket.
Brief scores
New Zealand 553 (Daryl Mitchell 190, Tom Blundell 106; James Anderson 3-62) and 284 (Henry Nicholls 62*; Stuart Broad 3-70) lost to England 539 (Joe Root 176, Ollie Pope 145; Trent Boult 5-106) and 299/5 (Jonny Bairstow 136; Trent Boult 3-94) by 5 wickets. Player of the Match: Jonny Bairstow.