Jonny Bairstow scores stunning century for England but misses out on record

Jonny Bairstow scores rapid century – but misses out on England’s quickest Test ton of all-time by just ONE ball – as Ben Stokes’ side secure brilliant comeback victory in the second Test and a series win against New Zealand

  • Jonny Bairstow hit a terrific 136 for England in the second Test vs New Zealand  
  • Bairstow was supreme, hitting 14 fours and 7 sixes in a sensational day five knock
  • However, he ultimately missed out on a 120-year record by just one ball 
  • Ben Stokes hit the winning runs as England secured a terrific series victory 

Jonny Bairstow was one ball away from matching England’s quickest ever Test century in a sensational knock against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. 

With the hosts chasing a target of 299 in their second innings, the England No 5 hit 14 fours and seven sixes as he pummelled the Black Caps’ bowling attack on day five.

The record for England’s quickest ever Test century goes to Gilbert Jessop back in 1902 against Australia after he hit a ton in 76 balls, but Bairstow ultimately brought up his century in 77 balls – and eventually left the field after scoring a terrific 136 in 92 balls. 

Jonny Bairstow was one ball away from matching England’s quickest ever Test century

The England No 5 hit 14 fours and seven sixes as he pummelled New Zealand's bowling attack

The England No 5 hit 14 fours and seven sixes as he pummelled New Zealand’s bowling attack

Bairstow ultimately brought up his century in 77 balls - one ball more than the 120-year record

Bairstow ultimately brought up his century in 77 balls – one ball more than the 120-year record

Bairstow was perhaps unaware of the record whilst out in the middle, as he had two opportunities on 99 not out to better or match the 120-year record, but two dot balls saw him miss out. 

He secured his ton with a three down to third man, as Ben Stokes’ side closed in on an unlikely comeback victory in the second Test – and a series win against the world Test champions. 

Bairstow in the end was dismissed after nicking behind off the bowling of Trent Boult after a fantastic innings under the sun in Nottingham. 

England captain Ben Stokes shook Bairstow's hand after he was dismissed for 136

England captain Ben Stokes shook Bairstow’s hand after he was dismissed for 136 

The England No 5 received a standing ovation from the Trent Bridge crowd after his knock

The England No 5 received a standing ovation from the Trent Bridge crowd after his knock 

He left the field with England in pole position to win the match, as they required 27 runs with five wickets in hand.

And captain Stokes led them home, alongside wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, sealing the win with a cover drive for four to make it two from two since taking over as skipper from Joe Root.

It gives England a 2-0 lead in the three-game series.  

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