Harry Brook’s Unbeaten 132 Guides England to a Strong Recovery
Harry Brook’s heroics helped England close in on New Zealand’s total.
In his 22nd Test match, Harry Brook hit his seventh century, with an unbeaten 132, as England capitalized on New Zealand’s poor fielding to recover from early setbacks and edge closer to the hosts’ first-innings score of 348. Benefiting from three dropped catches, Brook built significant partnerships with Ollie Pope (77) and Ben Stokes (37*), guiding England to 319/5 at the end of the second day’s play in Christchurch. The visitors are trailing by just 29 runs with the second new ball six overs away. Day 2: Changing Conditions Test Batters
Whereas the first day had been warm and breezy, the second day started cool and overcast, making life difficult for the batsmen. The changing conditions have reflected in a higher false-shot percentage for the England batters at 30% compared to New Zealand at 15.7% on Day 1.
New Zealand, resuming at 319/8, added a crucial 29 runs through Glenn Phillips, who remained not out on 58. Brydon Carse eventually ended the innings at 348, taking career-best figures of 4 for 64 by dismissing Will O’Rourke.
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England’s Early Struggles
England was facing early pressure to get competitive. Tim Southee set the tone for this spell with his tight opening bowling and Matt Henry LBW Zak Crawley. Then came the brief counter-attack of four boundaries from Ben Duckett for 46, and all England could do was crumble at 71/4. Debutant Jacob Bethell was not able to go fluent before Nathan Smith removed him for 10, as did Joe Root, getting his first duck since December 2022.
Brook and Pope take the fight back
Harry Brook, released early by Glenn Phillips, capitalized on New Zealand’s errors. He and Ollie Pope made a counter-attack; they scored at a healthy rate and continued to trim the deficit. A dropped catch by Tom Latham did not bother Brook as he completed his hundred off 122 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Pope departed in a stunning diving catch by Phillips, but Brook didn’t bat an eyelid.
Late Flourish Keeps England in Control
Brook and Stokes added 97 runs in quick time for the sixth wicket, further narrowing the gap. New Zealand’s fielding woes continued as both the batters survived additional chances, frustrating the bowlers.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 348 (Kane Williamson 93, Glenn Phillips 58; Brydon Carse 4-64, Shoaib Bashir 4-69) England: 319/5 (Harry Brook 132, Ollie Pope 77; Nathan Smith 2-86)
England trail by 29 runs with five wickets in hand.
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