England the entertainers in town as Bairstow and Overton fight back on day two

England's Jonny Bairstow celebrates his century. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP via Getty ImagesEyebrows were raised before this third Test when Ben Stokes declared England were in the entertainment business, not the sporting business. Some 48 hours later, through another swashbuckling century from Jonny Bairstow and debutant Jamie Overton’s unbeaten 89, it became apparent the new captain was deadly serious.

But in a febrile second half to proceedings, as the expected rain stayed away but the clouds loomed overhead, a well-oiled capacity crowd at Headingley was treated to quite a breathtaking counterattack from Bairstow and Overton. The pair plundered 209 runs for the seventh wicket in just 37.1 overs, Bairstow walking off unbeaten on 130 from 126 balls and the score a far healthier 264 for six. Entertainment? You betcha.

Overton was no slouch either, if a touch more agricultural on occasions, using all of his 6ft 5in frame to muscle the ball either across or over the boundary rope. He had earlier been slightly misused by Stokes in a bumper plan to New Zealand’s tail but was in his element with the bat. The 28-year-old will resume first thing needing just 11 runs to become the 21st England player to make a century on Test debut.

Bairstow similarly had a reprieve along the way, Wagner putting down a tough caught and bowled chance when the number five was on 27. Neither batter was remotely ruffled, instead pressing down on the pedal with a blaze of boundaries that swiftly softened the ball and exposed a New Zealand attack that consists of three frontline seamers and a part-time spinner in Michael Bracewell. England are still 65 runs behind but, by way of disposition as the two sides walked off, they are in the ascendancy.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

EU leaders to discuss worsening economic outlookEU leaders resume their two day summit in Brussels today focusing on Europe's worsening economic outlook. We should invest in roubles! The EU needs to get rid of the insane self defeating sanctions which are crippling the EU and enriching Russia . This is the insanity of the Captain Ahab sinking the ship in his obsession Gas might be a problem this winter.....
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Penneys marble table set is a total bargain way to transform any roomMarble tiered table sets are one of the biggest luxury interiors trends, and can set you back hundreds of euro - Penney's version comes in at a steal, just €50 for two tables
Source: RSVPMagazine - 🏆 7. / 76 Read more »

Seven arrested as Gardaí uncover liquid cocaine in champange bottles | NewstalkIt is the first time liquid cocaine has been found concealed in bottles of wine and champagne in Ireland.
Source: NewstalkFM - 🏆 19. / 55 Read more »

EU leaders formally grant Ukraine candidate statusEuropean Union leaders have formally granted Ukraine candidate status to become a member of the bloc during their two-day summit in Brussels, according to President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Allowing countries who have Nazis in their army join. Not a good look Europe. Not a good look. all planned EU destroying Europe EU and USA destroying Ukraine so it can expand German industry and American technokogy and arms.
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Newcastle sign England goalkeeper in reported €11 million dealHe becomes Howe’s second summer signing, with full-back Matt Targett, who enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell on Tyneside during the second half of last season, having completed a permanent move.
Source: The42_ie - 🏆 5. / 86 Read more »