Stokes shrugs off confusing Kiwi sledge

The Black Caps have reminded allrounder Ben Stokes about his heritage but that fell on deaf ears as he belted a record-breaking hundred to help put England in with a chance of victory against New Zealand.

Christchurch-born Stokes' 85-ball century, the fastest ever at Lord's, gave England impetus to race to 6-429 on day four of the first Test.

It was captain Alastair Cook's near nine-hour 153 not out from 327 balls which ensured England could turn defence into attack, via first Joe Root (84) and then Stokes (101) in stands of 158 and 132 for a lead of 295. 

Highlights: Cook, Stokes put England in control

But Stokes was the crowd-pleaser, with 15 fours and three sixes into the stands.

Stokes excelled in the first innings too against his native country, with 92.

He knows his parents back in Christchurch will be cheering him on, but does not sound so sure about which team they may want to win the two-match series.

"They always want me to do well," he said.

"I haven't spoken to them for a couple of days. They always support me, but I don't know who they'll be going for."

Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor was not shy to remind Stokes of his heritage, out in the middle.

"He lived in New Zealand for 10 years," said Taylor.

"I did ask him if his mum and dad would be watching ..."

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Brendon McCullum congratulates Stokes on his record century // Getty Images

The question fell on deaf ears, although Stokes did pick up a remark from Tim Southee - who conceded all three of those sixes.

It referred to the province of his birth - but after Stokes' decade in England, seems to have been lost in translation.

"The only comment was from Tim, who said 'Oh, it's the Canterbury coming out in you' - because I kept on nicking it over the slips," added Stokes.

"I don't know what that means."

Stokes, 23, moved with his family to northern England as a boy when his father Gerard Stokes went to coach Workington rugby league team.