The National's Sport cover for the Tuesday, May 26 issue, featuring Ben Stokes and England as they picked apart New Zealand on the final day of the first Test to claim victory.
It was a remarkable reversal from their 30 for 4 start on Day 1, as ascendant New Zealand looked like they would easily add to England’s recent run of misery.
But steely nerves and youthful energy brought them roaring back:
“Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali had other ideas.
“The quartet posted half-centuries to lift England to a total of 389, laying the foundation for a recovery which brought about a famous victory in an enthralling match.
“New Zealand batted well to reply with 523 but Cook had the bit between his teeth.
“The captain occupied the crease all day on Sunday to make 153 not out and combined with Root’s 84 and an inspired 101 from Stokes, the quickest ever Test century at Lord’s, England moved into the ascendancy at 429 for 6.
“Trent Boult knocked over the last four wickets inside the first hour on the final day but England had made a statement and their bowlers backed it up.”
England captain Alastair Cook himself seemed shocked by the result:
“It’s one of the best matches I’ve ever been involved in – a great cricket wicket, two sides that gave their all and played as good cricket as they could play,” he said after the match. “I can’t really speak. It was just a brilliant, brilliant day.”
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