Ben Duckett hits incredible century as England continue fightback against New Zealand

England mounted a spirited recovery on day two of the Rothesay Series decider against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with Ben Duckett ending a year-long wait for a Test hundred.The left-hander struck 113 from just 99 deliveries, his first three-figure score since making 149 against India twelve months ago, having endured 22 innings without reaching the landmark.Captain Ben Stokes proved equally influential with the ball, claiming four wickets for 70 runs on a docile surface.His haul saw him join an exclusive club, becoming just the second player in Test history to combine 250 wickets with more than 7,000 runs, matching the legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Stokes transformed the contest during a gruelling eight-over spell in the morning heat, picking up three wickets for just 13 runs.The all-rounder found the edge of both Will O'Rourke and Daryl Mitchell within his opening two overs after being brought into the attack.Mitchell departed for 11 following a successful England review, though the batsman appeared unconvinced by the UltraEdge evidence.O'Rourke, who had improved his previous Test best from five to 19, then lost patience and holed out to gully.Santner's dismissal proved contentious, with a short ball appearing to catch his glove before lobbing to Bethell, though debate surrounded whether contact came from the armguard or sweatband.The tourists collapsed dramatically after the interval, losing their final six wickets in quick succession, having resumed on 361 for four.New Zealand's innings folded for 438, surrendering all ten wickets for just 121 runs across the two days.Spinner Shoaib Bashir contributed to the downfall, holding a sharp return catch at the second attempt to dismiss Nathan Smith before trapping wicketkeeper Tom Blundell leg before from around the wicket.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:World Cup day 16: Erling Haaland benched for Norway's final group game against FranceMax Verstappen 'in secret talks' to join Red Bull rivals - and it isn't MercedesSweden star goes viral after misunderstanding following World Cup MatchBlair Tickner suffered a blow to the helmet from Jofra Archer and was subsequently replaced by Zak Foulkes under concussion protocols after managing only three overs with the ball.Archer wrapped up proceedings by pinning Ben Sears in front to complete the innings.Duckett and Jacob Bethell produced a fluent partnership worth 179 runs at virtually a run per ball, hauling England to 223 for two at stumps, still trailing by 215.The opener's innings could have ended on eight when Henry Nicholls spilt a straightforward chance.Duckett punished the reprieve immediately, driving the following delivery through cover for four and continuing to attack throughout.He reached three figures from 88 balls, equalling his quickest Test century, with a flick off his legs and a scampered single.Bethell finished unbeaten on 74, surpassing his previous first-innings best of 16, while Joe Root remained 21 not out at the close.Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter