Bairstow inspires England to memorable win

FORMER captain Nasser Hussain called England’s five-wicket win over New Zealand at Trent Bridge one of the nation’s greatest ever wins after Jonny Bairstow starred in a thrilling fifth-day run chase.

Bairstow made 136 off 92 balls as England chased down 299, with the real fireworks coming after tea when he and captain Ben Stokes blasted 49 off just four overs.

It came after New Zealand scored 553 in the first innings and then added 284 in the second to set an imposing target, but England took it on and got their rewards.

After all the struggles of the previous regime, with only one win in 17 Tests, this new-look England have taken a 2-0 lead in this series and fuelled a huge surge of optimism looking forward.

“It has to be one of England’s greatest wins, it really has,” Hussain said.

“From where they were, what they gave up in the first innings and where they’ve been in the last couple of years, that is some turnaround.

“Ben Stokes, having talked the talk off the pitch has definitely walked the walk in the middle.”

Michael Atherton said the victory spoke to a change of mentality under Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

“What a difference a year makes,” he said.

“Cast your mind back to a timid cautious England not going for a chase that was a little over three (runs) an over and here, that statement of intent of going for this win.

“It’s glass half-full or glass halfempty and you just have to go for it. I take my hat off to the new England management for having a go and getting there... it was a cakewalk with Jonny Bairstow playing the innings of his life.”