Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow scored brilliant centuries in the fifth Test against India at Edgbaston as England completed their historic run chase to defeat the visitors by seven wickets.
Continuing his superb form, Bairstow scored his 12th Test ton and fourth in the last five innings. As for Joe Root, the stylish former England captain scored his 28th Test century.
Together they added 269 for the fifth wicket as they guided England to an impressive win. Root remained unbeaten at 142 from 173 balls, while Bairstow was not out at 114 from 145 balls.
This was the highest-ever run chase in Test cricket. Incidentally, this was also the highest total successful chase at the Edgbaston cricket ground.
Most Indian bowlers except Ravindra Jadeja conceded more than four runs an over. Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur gave away more than six runs an over in their spells.
England batsman Jos Buttler tweeted, ‘This is just incredible to watch!” Former South African batsman AB de Villiers wrote, “Unbelievable run chase this! Phenomenal Test match.”
Scores in brief:
India 416 (Pant 146, Jadeja 104; Anderson 5-60) & 245 (Pujara 66, Pant 57; Stokes 4-33)
England 284 (Bairstow 106, Siraj 4-66) & 378-3 (Root 142*, Bairstow 114*)
England won by seven wickets; series drawn 2-2