WELLINGTON: England’s Harry Brook smashed 123 off 115 balls on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The visitors got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets for just 43 runs.
However, Brook and Ollie Pope, coming in at 4th and 5th respectively, formed a spectacular 174-run partnership in just 28 overs.
Brook smashed 11 boundaries and five towering sixes during his knock, while Pope contributed a fluent 66, which included seven boundaries and a six.
His aggressive approach propelled England to a competitive total of 280 in 54.4 overs, although the last four wickets fell for just 21 runs.
“I think this might be my favorite hundred so far,” said Brook at Stus. “I really liked that.
On the bowling front, New Zealand’s in-form pacer Matt Henry bowled four consecutive openers and dismissed the first two.
Nathan Smith scored four for 86 while Will O’Rourke took three wickets in the first innings.
In response, New Zealand began the chase cautiously but faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals.
At the end of the day, the hosts were reeling at 86 for 5 in 26 overs, trailing by 194 runs.
England’s bowlers put in an impressive display, with Brydon Carse taking two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Kane Williamson, the Black Caps captain and innings top scorer.
Williamson managed 37 off 56 balls, including three boundaries. Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes also contributed important wickets.
The second day of the Test match will resume with Will O’Rourke (0) and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell (7) at the crease.
