Root and Bairstow seal England’s Test series sweep against New Zealand

England have beaten New Zealand by seven wickets in the third Test at Headingley, and secured a 3-0 series win.

With the Yorkshire duo Bairstow and Root dominating on their home ground, England stormed to victory on day five.

Bairstow provided the fireworks with an unbeaten 71 off just 44 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes including the one that secured victory, while Root finished on 86 not out.

Jack Leach was named player of the match after the spinner took five wickets in each innings for match figures of 10 for 166.

Leach said at the post-match presentation: “It did look dry, ‘Stokesy’ came to me and said he thought it was going to spin, so I thought: ‘OK, pressure on.’

“But it was good fun. The seamers did a great job, they made it easier for me. ‘Pottsy’ [Matthew Potts]was unbelievable and probably deserved five wickets as well and Jonny probably deserves this as well for the way he played.”

Ali Martin’s full match report will follow