Gutted for Overton not getting his hundred, but nevertheless what a majestic knock and credit to him, as without that Bairstow would probably not get his score either. To come away for a first-innings lead is nothing short of miraculous, over to the bowlers now.
the bairstow-overton partnership is an england record for the 7th wicket. bairstow's innings was the 2nd fastest 150 for england. overton's 97 is the highest for an england debutant batting lower than 7th. there's never been an instance of a double-century stand for the 7th wicket or lower that has started from a score of less than 100. this one from 55/6 to 296/7. the previous lowest total for such a stand came when england were 102/7 and trott and broad added 332 for the 8th wicket in 2010. england's 360 is the second highest for a team that had lost its first six wickets for 100 or less. nz managed 391 in 1990 after being 85/6, which means their last 4 wickets added 306 compared to england's 305 (england's 3rd best for their last 4). england's 5.37 run rate is the 3rd highest and england's second highest for teams scoring 350 or more.
The game rests on how many the Blundell Michell partnership puts on this time. But then again who would rule out England chasing down an unlikely target again?!
Eng 100-2 OH COME ON, JOE! This is utterly, utterly ridiculous. Joe Root reverse scoops Neil Wagner for six. How on earth do you practise that? At what point does he decide to play that? I just don't get it. But I love it. The New Zealand fielders are laughing. Wagner covers his lips with his hand and mutters something to Root. It's all in good jest.
Bairstow's not hanging around, his 50 in 30 balls. Root needs to get a move on if he is to reach his 100 at this rate.
Bairstow went berserk when he came out. Finished it off with a 4 and a 6 to win. Denied Root his century!
What an enjoyable test series. Some memorable batting on both sides throughout. Despite getting hammered, NZ played with great spirit and a smile on their faces. The Aussies could learn a lot from that sort of attitude! India next, starting Friday, I suspect it will be a lot tougher and the bowling of a higher standard, especially in the spin department.