'That game is what Test cricket is about' - Ben Stokes after New Zealand's thrilling win over England in Wellington Test

New Zealand and England treated purists and fans of Test cricket with a thriller in the second Test match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, as the Kiwis won the Test by one run on February 28 (Tuesday). England came mighty close to chasing down the target of 258 on the back of Joe Root’s incredible 95-run innings. Following England’s surprising loss, skipper Ben Stokes said that he was thrilled to be a part of such an exciting Test.

On Day 5, the match kept swinging like a pendulum as Joe Root and Ben Stokes stitched a partnership of 121 runs after Harry Brook's unfortunate run out. At the time of Brook's dismissal England were struggling with scoreboard reading 80-5, but the two veterans forged an almost match defining partnership to take the team score beyond 200.     

“That game is what Test cricket is about, it was just incredible. The emotions we were going through and obviously the Kiwi boys out there as well. Was incredible to be involved in such a Test match. Everyone’s got their money’s worth,” Stokes said after the game. 

“It was a case of assessing the situations, we always knew that at some point in that partnership (between himself and Root), Tim (Southee) was gonna have to roll the dice with something. Wags (Wagner) came on and blew the game open for them. For myself and Joe there, that was our opportunity to pounce,” he added.

New Zealand completed a dramatic fightback led by their bowling attack on the final day to save themselves from the first series defeat at their home since 2017. England had a great chance to win a series in New Zealand after 15 years when Joe Root and Ben Stokes rescued the team's sinking ship to take the team score to 201-5. Soon, a dramatic collapse followed.

A special win to come back after being asked to follow on: Tim Southee

However, New Zealand bowlers especially Neil Wagner helped the team to stage a comeback by picking three wickets. Ben Foakes was England’s last hope as he was batting well on 35 with the Three Lions just seven runs away from the win with two wickets in the bag. With the game slipping away, captain Tim Southee came to his team’s rescue by getting the prized scalp of Foakes. Wagner was the star performer with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries.

Courtesy of this win, New Zealand became just the third team in the history of Test cricket to win a Test after being enforced to follow-on.

Delighted with his team’s performance, Tim Southee said, “Right up there. A special win to come back after being asked to follow on. The guys will soak this up. The character shown by the guys has been very special. Try to stay as calm. Just give it your best shot. Great Test to be involved in.”

New Zealand last lost a series at home in 2017 and last got whitewashed against Australia in 2016.

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