Stokes double leaves NZ in tatters

Ben Stokes followed up his record-breaking century with two wickets in two balls as England moved 

closer to a stunning win in the first cricket Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on Monday.

At tea on the fifth and final day, New Zealand <g data-gr-id="28">were</g> 134 for five, needing a further 211 runs to reach their victory target of 345.

But, realistically, they now needed to bat through the final session to force a draw and prevent themselves going 1-0 down in this two-match series.

However, the gritty BJ Watling was 36 not out and the dashing Corey Anderson 51 not out, with their sixth-wicket stand so far worth 73.

New Zealand, who had earlier collapsed to 12 for three, found themselves 61 for five when Stokes, who on Sunday had scored the fastest <g data-gr-id="30">Test-hundred</g> at Lord’s, off 85 balls, struck twice in his third over.

Kane Williamson, who made 132 in the tourists’ first innings, fell for 27 when he guided Stokes to Joe Root in the gully.

And next ball New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum played on to a Stokes <g data-gr-id="27">inswinger</g>.

Given a roar by the crowd worthy of Ian Botham or Andrew Flintoff, Stokes, the New Zealand-born son of former Kiwi rugby league international Ged Stokes, who came to England as a 12-year-old, charged in again.

But Anderson survived the hat-trick delivery, allowing the ball to pass his stumps. Anderson, in Stokes-like fashion, later pulled the Durham all-rounder for six.

Deciding attack was the best form of defence, Anderson completed a 44-ball fifty in which 46 of his runs -- 10 fours and a six -- came in boundaries.

New Zealand were rocked from the very start of their chase, losing both openers for ducks without a run on the board in a match where, for the most part, they had been on top.

Tea New Zealand 523 and 134 for 5 (Watling 36*, Anderson 51*) need 211 more runs to beat England 389 and 478 (Cook 162, Stokes 101, Root 84, Boult 5-85)