On day three of the first Test in Mount Maunganui, Stuart’s devastating late burst put England on track for victory over New Zealand.
Stuart’s four out of the five wickets that fell, all bowled, in one of his trademark destructive spells with the pink ball under lights, leaving New Zealand in tatters on 63-5 in their chase of 394.
Stuart’s first wicket, of Devon Conway, was the 1,002nd in Tests for him and James Anderson, making them the most successful bowling partnership in the game’s history.
England’s late dominance contrasted with the fluctuations of earlier in the day, when the tourists had to battle their way to 374 all out.
Despite Joe Root’s 57, Harry Brook’s thrilling 54 off 41 balls, and Ollie Pope’s 49 off 46, England still needed an important 51 from Ben Foakes when the game was on the line.
England not only set New Zealand a target that would be their highest ever for a Test victory, but they also bowled for two hours with the pink ball as darkness fell.
Broad took full advantage, his 4-21 in a 10-over spell setting England on their way to their 10th Test victory in 11 matches.
England haven’t always been at their best in this match, but they’re on track for a big win after a thrilling, fluctuating day at the sun-kissed Bay Oval.
The visitors scored 158 runs for the loss of four wickets in a breathless first session, during which time the treatment meted out to New Zealand pace bowler Neil Wagner resulted in figures of 13-0-110-2, narrowly missing out on the indignity of having the worst economy rate ever in a Test innings.
In the afternoon, England captain Ben Stokes hit his 108th Test six, breaking the record set by coach Brendon McCullum. Stokes’ 109th six was carried on to the boundary by the hapless Wagner from the next ball.
The day, though, belonged to Broad, who, after missing the series victory in Pakistan, returned with a stellar performance that helped him and Anderson surpass Australian greats Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne as the most productive bowling combinations in Test cricket.
Among the records and noteworthy incidents, it was the calm Foakes’ effort that had earlier turned the game in England’s favor. After the sixth wicket fell, the tourists were able to add 137 crucial runs thanks to contributions from the lower order.
The mark seemed difficult for New Zealand to reach despite the superb surface, especially given the time of day they began their innings.
