During the test where England’s new regime was the town’s talk, the old reliable Joe Root scored an unbeaten century to guide his side home to a five-wicket win at Lords.
The former captain also became the 14th batsman and the second Englishman to pass 10,000 test runs during his innings.
He finished on 115 not out after sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 120 with Ben Foakes, whose 32 not out was also crucial for England to reach their victory target of 277.
New Zealand’s seamers who were so potent through the test found no swing on a cold morning and failed to test the batsmen as the pair picked off the runs with ease after England had resumed at 216 for five, needing 61 for victory.
Joe Root was rightfully awarded the man of the match honors for his efforts.
England captain Ben Stokes can celebrate victory in his first test in charge and target a series win when the second of three tests gets underway at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Friday.
Earlier during the test, England were set a target of 277 in the second innings by New Zealand who recovered from the first innings debacle courtesy of Daryl Mitchell (108) and Tom Blundell (96).
A win for England was looking improbable only for England’s new Test captain and the former captain to steady the ship.
Root carried on even after Stokes fell to steer his side home.
