England needed to chase down a fourth innings target of 299 runs on the final day of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in little over two sessions and it led to one of the most thrilling finales to a Test in modern day cricket. Given England's modest approach in Test cricket off late, not many would have expected them to go for the win, as they already had a 1-0 lead in the series. But this is a new England Test team, led by Ben Stokes and managed by head coach Brendon McCullum.
From whatever cricket fans have seen of Stokes on the field and of McCullum when he used to take the greens for the Blackcaps, these are two men who believe in taking every challenge head on and play at their attacking best.
This exactly what England did. Despite losing three early wickets, the Three Lions put in a great dash at the target in the post lunch session. Jonny Bairstow was the attacker-in-chief as he slammed the second fastest Test century for England, hitting 14 boundaries and 7 mammoth sixes in his 92-ball 136 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
Skipper Stokes wasn't to be left behind and he put in the icing on the cake, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 70 balls to guide the team to a series clinching win.
The performance drew great appreciation from the cricket fraternity on social media. Here are a few reactions.