Carse heroics guides England to Test victory

BEN Stokes hailed Brydon Carse as England's triple threat after his starring role against New Zealand, branding the Durham quick "three bowlers in one".

- RORY DOLLARD

Carse produced a mighty effort in the first Test at Christchurch, taking combined figures of 10 for 106 to power his side to an eight-wicket victory.

He picked up four in New Zealand's first innings and six in the second to leave England chasing just 104 for victory, debutant Jacob Bethell providing the feelgood factor as he cracked an unbeaten 50 to wrap things up.

It was a statement performance from the 29-year-old Carse on just his third appearance at this level, intimidating the Kiwis with bouncers, attacking the stumps with full balls and maintaining a miserly economy rate of 2.76.

Stokes, who earmarked his county colleague as one to watch during his early days at Chester-le-Street, said: "I've known about Brydon's ability an skills for a while and there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to have an impact when he eventually made it to the top level.