New Zealand have recorded one of the most dramatic victories in the history of Test cricket, beating England by one run in Wellington.
At the midway point, England held a 226-run advantage over their hosts, a margin which subsequently led to the follow-on being enforced by Ben Stokes.
However, after making 483 in their second innings to set England a target of 258, New Zealand bowled their in-form opponents out for 256, sparking jubilant scenes as they levelled the series.
The manner of their win, secured when James Anderson nicked a Neil Wagner delivery down the leg-side to wicket-keeper Tom Blundell down the leg side, represented just the fourth time in Test history that a team had followed-on before going on to prevail.
England had resumed on 48-1, making them the clear favourites to add another win under Stokes and Brendon McCullum, but that soon became 80-5 after an astonishing period early on day five.
Most notably, Joe Root, who would later make 95 and take England past 200, ran out Harry Brook, with a player who had posted 186 in the first innings yet to face a ball.
WHAT A GAME OF CRICKET
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New Zealand have won it by the barest of margins...
This is test cricket at its finest ❤️
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To Root's credit, that sparked a show of defiance alongside Stokes, the pair putting on 121 for the sixth wicket before Stokes was dismissed for 33, leaving England still requiring another 57.
Root soon followed, yet knocks from Ben Foakes (35) and Stuart Broad (11) took England to 251 with two wickets remaining before Foakes's dismissal brought Anderson to the crease to join Jack Leach.
The tail-ender and legendary pace bowler swatted away a Wagner delivery for four, moving England to the brink, and the stage was set for the veteran to get his team over the line.
That was until he clipped the ball to the wicket-keeper when attempting to manoeuvre the ball down the leg side, creating a scene of ecstasy and despair as the two teams reacted at the end of a Test which will not be forgotten.
Darren Plant
