'It was massively important but it's going to be a long ride'- Ben Stokes on England's 5-wicket win

England Test skipper Ben Stokes was chuffed to bits at the post-match presentation ceremony after Joe Root's unbeaten, record-breaking ton helped the home team claim a thrilling 5-wicket win at the expense of reigning WTC champions, New Zealand.

England chased down 277 with five wickets to spare on the fourth morning of the Test match, and it was fitting that Root hit the winning runs.

The 31-year-old registered his 26th Test hundred, and in the process, he joined an elite club of batters with more than 10000 runs in the longest format of the game.

Speaking to Michael Atherton after the game, Stokes described it as an 'amazing feeling' while also adding that the build-up and atmosphere around what turned out to be a classic Test, was special.

"Amazing. A great Test match. It always seems to be England vs New Zealand - especially at Lord's. Regardless of being captain, the first Test of the summer always has a special buzz about it. It was a special week with all the build-up and to come away with the win makes it even better," said Stokes.

This is England's first Test win since August 2021, and while it's a massively important triumph, Stokes admitted that there is still a long way to go for his side to become one of the top dogs again.

He also lauded opener Alex Lees, for his patient knock on the third afternoon.

"It was massively important, but it will be a long ride. It's not going to happen overnight; we'll have tough times, no doubt. But it's about how we respond. The way that Leesy came out and played yesterday, it was only 20, but it was the best he'd looked in an England shirt."

The second Test will take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from June 10.