NZ Test tour of Eng, June 2-27

[sussexpob]

77 balls for Bairstow..... Pretty insane innings really. Like watching Barry Bonds swing it around at a home run derby

[bigfluffylemon]

Does really put the brakes on and give NZ options in the field if Stokes can't take quick singles.

Still, less than 3 an over needed now. No need to force it, just wait for the bad ball.

Fair play YJB, making those of us complaining about him eat humble pie, although to be fair I did suggest he should go for it like an ODI.... I also said drop him.

[sussexpob]

Does really put the brakes on and give NZ options in the field if Stokes can't take quick singles.

Still, less than 3 an over needed now. No need to force it, just wait for the bad ball.

Fair play YJB, making those of us complaining about him eat humble pie, although to be fair I did suggest he should go for it like an ODI.... I also said drop him.

I dont think it matters much. This isnt really a test innings, but a ODI one.... and I doubt anyone is mad enough to say that Bairstow is not a great ODI player

[Durhamfootman]

one of the first names on an ODI team sheet, for me

[Gingerfinch]

Well he isn't getting dropped now

ODI or test, he has come in under pressure and won it for England.

[bigfluffylemon]

Bairstow monstering Bracewell. 17 off the over.

Really making NZs limited bowling options pay. Surely they have to bring Boult back for a last big effort. Couple of wickets and with England's tail NZ are still in this.

[bigfluffylemon]

one of the first names on an ODI team sheet, for me

Not just now but I'd have him open for the all time England ODI XI.

[bigfluffylemon]

Got to get the spinner off and get Boult on.

And Boult does it while I type...

Not over yet.

[sussexpob]

Bairstow finally goes... 27 needed, I think hes done the job

[sussexpob]

(I'll take my thanks when he scores the winning runs)

definitely counting this as a prediction by the way... never had any doubt.

[sussexpob]

Most runs ever scored in a test in England

[bigfluffylemon]

Most runs ever scored in a test in England

Southee's match figures are currently 1-221 from 43 overs - more than 5 an over. England have taken him to the cleaners.

[sussexpob]

NZ miss a run out. Tough shy at the stumps, but in their position you need every chance taken

[bigfluffylemon]

The other good thing about this performance is that it's not just been Root, Anderson and Broad. Everyone (apart from Crawley) has made an important contribution.

Bairstow will probably get potm for that innings, but I'd give it to Boult. 8-180 in a match with more runs than any other in England has been outstanding.

[bigfluffylemon]

Most boundaries in any test, apparently.