In the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Friday, Harry Brook scored an impressive 184 runs without being out, giving England a commanding lead. Before rain cut short the first day of the series finale early, Joe Root was unbeaten on an elegant 101 as the tourists rumbled their way to 315-3. With his stunning performance at the Basin Reserve, Brook became the first player to amass 800 runs or more in his first nine Test innings. In the first seven overs, England was reeling at 21-3 when the 24-year-old batted.
After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bowl on the green wicket. That choice immediately paid off as Zak Crawley (two), Ben Duckett (nine), and Ollie Pope of England’s top order were soon dismissed by New Zealand (10).
Under predictably blue skies, Matt Henry and captain Tim Southee caused the first wave of damage for the hosts.
As the opener’s shaky run continued, Henry, who had missed the first Test due to the birth of his child, forced Crawley to be caught behind. Then, all-rounder Michael Bracewell made two outstanding catches in the slips to eliminate Pope and Duckett, respectively.
Southee took his 700th wicket in all forms after dismissing Duckett after Bracewell’s diving catch, making him the first New Zealander to accomplish the feat.
But after that, it was all Brook as he improved his Test average in just his sixth game to well over 100.
In the first Test, Brook scored back-to-back half centuries to lead England to a 267-run victory, earning him player of the match honours.
He added to his impressive Test career debut for England with a superb undefeated performance loaded with 24 fours and give sixes. He made 184 off 169 balls. He assisted former captain Root in bringing England out of difficulty to reach 101-3 at lunch.
As Brook added to his three earlier centuries against Pakistan in December, there was no letup in the afternoon.
Root scored his 29th Test century, his first in eight Tests, while remaining more composed but not less decisive.
Brendon McCullum‘s offensive style of coaching has helped England win 10 of their last 11 Test matches. They stayed with the same lineup that easily won the first game.
