Cook is all smiles after scoring his first century on home soil in two years

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England captain Alastair Cook scored an unbeaten 153 and all-rounder Ben Stokes made 101 to give their side a 295-run lead over New Zealand at the end of the fourth day of the first Test at Lord’s.

Cook and Stokes were well supported by batsman Joe Root, who scored 84.

Starting out the day on 74/2, Cook and Bell did not add a single run to their 49-run partnership as Bell was caught behind off the bowling of Tim Southee for 29.

Cook and Root stabilised the innings with a 158-run partnership, during which both batsmen brought up their half-centuries, before Root was caught by Trent Boult at fine leg off the bowling of debutant Matt Henry.

Root’s excellent knock of 84 came off 139 balls and included 12 boundaries.

Root hit 12 boundaries during his knock of 84

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Cook and Stokes kept the runs flowing with a 132-run stand, during which Cook registered his 27th Test century and Stokes his second, before Stokes was caught by Ross Taylor at slip off the bowling of Mark Craig.

Stokes’ entertaining innings of 101 came off 92 deliveries and included 15 boundaries and three sixes.

Stokes celebrates after smashing the fastest Test century at Lord’s

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Jos Buttler only made 14 runs before he was caught behind off the bowling of Henry.

Cook and Moeen Ali steadied the innings with an unbeaten 40-run partnership, during which Cook surpassed 150 runs, before stumps was called.

Cook finished on 153 off 327 balls, which included 15 boundaries, while Ali remained undefeated on 19 off 54 deliveries, which included three boundaries.

Henry and Southee picked up two wickets apiece, while Boult and Craig chipped in with one wicket each.

England ended day four on 429/6 and will continue batting tomorrow at 11:00 local time or 10:00 GMT.