Redfern stands firm

Dan Redfern batted for almost three hours in making 79 not out © Getty Images

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Dan Redfern hit an unbeaten 79 to carry England Under-19s to safety in the second Test against New Zealand and secure a series victory.

The Derbyshire youngster batted for not far short of three hours to keep the tourists at bay as they sensed an unlikely triumph at New Road.

Despite conceding a first-innings deficit of 30, New Zealand amassed 302 in their second innings to set England 273 to win on the final day.

Though Alex Hales, who made 66, and James Taylor shared an opening stand of 83, England’s hopes of victory receded as they slipped to 173 for five.

The first five wickets fell to left-arm spinner – and fourth-change bowler – Nick Beard, who finished with admirable figures of 5-64 from 23.4 overs.

Redfern averted the danger, effectively making the game safe courtesy of a 63-run partnership with Ben Brown (29) for the sixth wicket.

Earlier, New Zealand added 116 to their overnight total of 186 for four as Kyle Williamson progressed from 108 not out to 151 and Harry Boam fell for 68.

Ian Saxelby claimed 3-36 and there were two wickets apiece for Chris Woakes, Stuart Meaker and Will Beer.

England, who won the first Test at Taunton by an innings and 130 runs, were therefore left to celebrate a 1-0 series win.

Attention now turns to the five-match one-day series between the sides, which gets under way at Canterbury on Friday.