England's new regime make instant and winning impact

NOTTINGHAM, England: Whether England's new leadership of skipper Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum succeed in turning the test side into one of the world's best, one thing is clear from Tuesday's high octane victory over New Zealand - the journey is going to be fun.

The pair took over the helm of the red ball team in May after a run of one win in 17 tests - miserable form that had seen the team fall to eighth in the world rankings.

They have won their first two tests playing a brand of exciting, attacking cricket that really should have been no surprise given the new regime's background.

As a player, New Zealander McCullum, like Stokes, was known for his aggressive stroke-play, well suited to the short forms of the game but also effective in test cricket.

In his final test, he scored the game's fastest century, striking 100 runs from 54 balls against Australia at Christchurch.

It was perhaps then no coincidence that in McCullum's second test as England coach Jonny Bairstow scored the fastest ton for England in 120 years.

The Yorkshireman reached the milestone in 77 balls and went on to score a match-winning 136 from 92 balls as England chased down a second innings target of 299 in 50 overs.

"We just looked at it like a one-day game," said Bairstow.

"The pitch was good, the outfield was fast. With the players we have, the brand of cricket we want to play, days like today are very exciting," he added.

"If this is happening now, it's going to be some journey."

It was a performance that was in striking contrast to the way England failed to even attempt to take on a final day target of 270 at Lords a year ago against the same opponents.

That day, England played cautiously for a draw making just 170-3 and leaving former skipper