Bowlers join the party as belief reigns

THE ‘Ben-tertainers’ found a way to turn the screw at Headingley – and this time not with the bat.

The country’s cricket lovers might have delighted in the flashing blades and joyful energy that have accompanied a new regime, but one crucial question remained unanswered.

How do you excite punters when you’re bowling? How can you put bums on seats and engage a crowd?

Well, Ben Stokes & Co (above) found a way.

Confidence with the bat has bred confidence with the ball – and the result is that England are again closing in on victory.

It all looked to be slipping away as the Black Caps moved ominously towards a challenging total.

England were struggling for inspiration. And, from somewhere – just like they have with the willow in their hand – they found some.

Three quick wickets following a rain break in the final session have tipped the balance – proving that no situation is hopeless if belief reigns supreme.

The fresh approach fostered by Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has seeped into every pore of England’s squad – they no longer hope to take wickets, they believe they will.

Praise has rained down on the new skipper and his merry band over the past few weeks as they’ve rescued seemingly lost causes and chased down improbable scores.

For the first hour, it was party time again.

The gangs on the western terrace had barely wiped the froth from their first pint of John Smith’s when the ball started appearing among them, courtesy of a Stuart Broad cameo.

But the fun stopped all too soon and England faced a side who refused to follow their trend – settling instead for steadily accruing runs. Snoring, boring.

But effective.

Tom Latham opened the door by nicking the first ball after tea.

All of a sudden, there was a buzz about the western terrace.

Stokes began gesturing with his hands to get them going.

As if by magic, every ball turned into an event.

Broad joined in. As did Jonny Bairstow.

It pumped up the volume, raised the pressure and added to the occasion. It ended with three wickets falling for nine runs.

A brisk start this morning and England will be in business again.

The nation might not expect any longer – but the crucial difference is that they believe.

And so, too, judging by their performances, do the players.