SIR Alastair Cook’s final Lord’s century set-up a fine victory over New Zealand during a hard-fought five days in 2015.

New Zealand were leading by 134 runs in the run-up to Cook’s innings and with England losing early wickets in their second innings, the onus was on the host’s skipper to lead from the front.

Ben Stokes' sensational 85-ball century at the other end may have eventually grabbed the headlines, but Cook’s score of 162 was even more important in setting a defendable target to guide England to victory at the end of day five.

The opener faced 345 balls during his final hundred at the Home of Cricket, scoring 17 fours with his knock lasting 540 minutes.