An epic Test match came to a thrilling conclusion in Wellington, New Zealand, where the Blackcaps became only the fourth team in history to earn a victory after being forced to follow on – winning by a single run.

Only two Test matches were scheduled on England’s tour of Aotearoa. The first Test had already seen an emphatic, 267-run victory for the British visitors. The second Test had all the signs of England walloping New Zealand once again.

Trusting the Bazball

The English “Bazballed” their way to 435 for 8 within 88 overs in the first innings before Ben Stokes called for the declaration.

As a team, New Zealand soon found themselves in a precarious situation. When the captain, Tim Southee, strode out to the middle, his side was stuck on 103 for 7. The spirit of Brendon McCullum, former New Zealand Internation; England’s current head coach; and the heir of “Bazball”, then entered Southee, as he unleashed a barrage of shots to all parts of the ground, culminating in a 49-ball 73.

He saved his team from embarrassment, as the Kiwis were eventually bowled out for 209. Unfortunately, Southee could not rescue his team from the follow-on.

Blackcaps step-up in the follow-on

The Blackcaps then turned it up a notch. Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway both surpassed the half-century mark. Kane Williamson meanwhile masterfully crafted his way to 132 before being dismissed.

Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell contributed 54 and 90 runs respectively, helping New Zealand to an impressive 483. This gave England a daunting target of 258 to chase for victory.

At first, it seemed like England would be able to cruise to the target, but the Blackcaps soon began to dismantle the English batting line up. The match ultimately came down to a simple equation: England needed two runs to win, while New Zealand needed to take just one more wicket.

Watch the epic conclusion to an unlikely New Zealand victory:

An incredible Test victory for New Zealand, against all the odds.

Blackcaps earn thier spot in History

This was just the fourth time a Test nation managed to turn its fortunes around after being forced to follow on.

Two England comebacks in the Ashes

The first instance of this remarkable feat occurred in a match between England and Australia in Sydney, all the way back in 1894.

Australia posted a massive 583 runs in the first innings, while England responded with a respectable 325. However, they were asked to bat again and this time, a total of 437 was amassed, setting the Aussies a target of 177.

Inspired bowling, including a 6-for from a man named Bobby Peel, helped his country to a 10-run win.

The second instance again featured England and Australia. Again the result went the way of the Britains. This time it played out in front of English fans at Headingley in 1981.

The Aussies declared on 401 for 9 and removed England for 174. The second English Innings saw the batters drop like flies until an inspired Ian Botham notched up an unbeaten 149 to set the Aussies a total of 129 runs.

Australia then lost one batter after the other, as another legend, Bob Willis, breezed his way through the Aussie batters. Willis ended on figures of 8 for 43, to help England to an 18-run win.

A cursed Australian side

The third instance again featured an Australian loss, as they fell to a massive defeat to India in Kolkata.

The Aussies posted a huge 445, before taking India out for 171. The hosts soon got their ducks in a row. Thanks to a massive 281 from VVS Laxman and 180 from Rahul Dravid, India powered to a second innings total of 657 for 6 before putting in the declaration.

India then ripped through the Aussies. Thanks to a 6-for from Harbhajan Singh, earned India a win by a massive 171 runs.

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