Ben Stokes claimed his 250th Test wicket with a devastating spell of three wickets for 13 runs in eight overs at Trent Bridge, rescuing England from a precarious position in the series-deciding third Test. The captain's morning burst included three maidens and shifted momentum dramatically after New Zealand had reached 317-0 on day one.

Stokes joined an elite group as only eight England bowlers have now taken more Test wickets than him. Former England captain Stuart Broad praised Stokes' relentless approach, calling his performance "magical" and emphasizing how these moments gain respect in the dressing room. The effort came on what was officially England's second-hottest day of Test cricket.

Ben Duckett provided the perfect supporting act with a fluent 113 off 99 balls, ending a year-long wait for his Test century and 22 innings without an England hundred. His redemptive innings at his home ground came after being dropped on eight and followed a difficult Ashes series.

England closed day two at 223-2 in reply to New Zealand's 438, giving themselves a genuine chance to surpass the Black Caps' total and clinch the series. With the series locked at 1-1, Stokes' all-round performance has put England in control of the decider.