The 32-year-old, who was unbeaten on a sedate 43 heading into the last session of the game, came out all guns blazing, tearing into the Kiwi bowlers. He eventually got out for 136 off 92 balls, with England on the cusp of victory as the hosts scaled down a stiff 299-run target in exactly 50 overs.
The Kiwis looked to be on the ascendancy when they reduced England to 93-4, with first-innings centurion Joe Root back in the pavilion for 3. However, Bairstow and new captain Ben Stokes (75* off 70) featured in an incredible 179-run stand for the fifth wicket as the Kiwi bowlers were rendered helpless.
Speaking after winning the ‘Player of the Match’ award, Bairstow said, albeit light-heartedly:
He added that England approached the chase of 299 against New Zealand on Day 5 at Trent Bridge as if it were a one-day game. Bairstow explained:
He added about England’s overall mindset:
Bairstow struck 14 fours and seven sixes after coming on when the Test was hanging in the balance. Explaining his aggressive approach, the right-hander said:
Bairstow narrowly missed out notching up England’s fastest-ever Test hundred. The record stands in the name of Gilbert Jessop, who slammed a 76-ball century in 1902 against Australia; Bairstow reached his century off 77 deliveries on Tuesday.
“We’re going to come even harder” - England captain Ben Stokes after Trent Bridge triumph
England captain Ben Stokes has asserted that his team will look to push hard for a victory at Headingley, despite clinching the series by winning the second Test. Speaking after the thrilling win at Trent Bridge, Stokes said:
Reflecting on the five-wicket win on Tuesday, the all-rounder gave credit to the team, saying everyone played a part:
The third Test of the series begins at Headingley on Thursday, June 23.
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