Jonny Bairstow joins Brendon McCullum on illustrious list with brutal hundred

Jonny Bairstow struck a devastating 95-ball century to enter the record books and ensure England fought back against New Zealand in the third Test at Headingley

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England vs New Zealand: Dean Wilson reports on second day at Headingley

Jonny Bairstow joined England coach Brendan McCullum on an iconic list after producing another memorable innings in the third Test between England and New Zealand at Headingley.

Fresh off his incredible knock of 136 off 92 balls at Trent Bridge, which saw his side chase down a total of 299 on the final day to go 2-0 up in the series, Bairstow’s latest effort was every bit as memorable. Especially given he came to the crease with England in dire trouble at 17-3 in response to the tourists’ 329 all out.

That became 55-6 before the Yorkshireman turned the tide on his home ground. He hammered 130 not out, including 21 boundaries, having brought up his century in just 95 balls.

His assault wasn’t a lone one, with debutant Jamie Overton finishing the day on unbeaten on 89, having himself knocked 12 fours and two sixes. T he pair’s stand of of 209 left England on 264-6, just 65 runs behind the Black Caps.

“Being a Yorkshire lad, scoring a Test hundred at home is pretty special,” he told Sky Sports afterwards. “My family and my mates are here as well.

“Every time you score a Test hundred it’s emotional. You know what I am like – it means so much for me to play Test cricket for England. That’s the kind of guy I am. I wear my heart on my sleeve. That’s not always everyone’s cup of tea.”

Bairstow’s 10th Test ton again epitomised his side’s new attacking approach under McCullum and new captain Ben Stokes, and furthermore, it catapulted the No 5 into the record books. He became only the fourth player to notch back to back Test centuries at a strike rate of over 100.

It’s a feat that only three other players have matched, including the new coach, who in 2014 cracked rapid centuries against Pakistan in Sharjah, and then Sir Lanka in Christchurch. The first player to do it was Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, in matches against India in Lahore and Faisalabad back in 2006.

The final player on the list is Bangladeshi Tamim Iqbal. He cemented his place during his side’s tour of England in 2010, in successive knocks at Lord’s and Old Trafford.

But of more significance to McCullum, 40, will be the fact his side can potentially build a first-innings lead on Saturday, as they push for a whitewash against his former side. And that’s in spite of a nightmare start, with Trent Boult clean bowling Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, and Zak Crawley in a devastating opening spell.

Tim Southee also drew a nick from Joe Root, whilst Neil Wagner trapped Ben Foakes LBW as New Zealand took charge. But critically, captain Kane Williamson opted not to review another Wagner leg before shot on Overton, with replays showing it would have been overturned.

Earlier in the day, Daryl Mitchell had continued his stunning series with a third century, reaching 109 before holing out to Stokes off Jack Leach. The same combination also ended Southee’s useful contribution of 33 as the England spinner picked up 5-100.