England v New Zealand: Jonny Bairstow’s astonishing century seals series win

Second LV= Insurance Test, Trent Bridge (day five) New Zealand 553 (Mitchell 190, Blundell 106) & 284 (Mitchell 62*, Broad 3-70) England 539 (Root 176, Pope 145) & 299-5 (Bairstow 136, Stokes 75*) England won by five wickets, lead three-match series 2-0 Scorecard

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 with 22 overs to spare.

Bairstow’s outrageous hitting took him to three figures from 77 balls, only just missing the 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.

It sealed a remarkable turnaround from New Zealand posting 553 after being asked to bat. It is the highest score England have conceded in a Test they have gone on to win since 1894.

England take an unassailable 2-0 lead, 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.

Gilbert Jessop 76 balls v Australia, The Oval 1902 Jonny Bairstow 77 balls v New Zealand, Trent Bridge 2022 Ben Stokes 85 balls v New Zealand, Lord’s 2015 Ian Botham 86 balls v Australia, Old Trafford & Headingley 1981 Kevin Pietersen 88 balls v West Indies, Port of Spain 2009 Ian Botham 99 balls v New Zealand, Trent Bridge 1983

More to follow.