Brook shines with ‘favourite’ Test ton as England top Day 1 in Wellington
On a day that belonged to the pacers, the young England batter helped the visitors gain ascendancy in the second Test against New Zealand.
New Zealand v England, 2nd Test, Scorecard
Banking on a second straight century from Harry Brook in the ongoing three-match series, England finished Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand on a high note, leading by 194 runs.
Having won the toss and opting to bowl first, the Black Caps had managed to clinch four wickets early in the first session, with just 43 runs on the board.
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Brook then combined alongside Ollie Pope to construct a 174-run stand for the fifth wicket.
The 25-year-old displayed fine counter-attacking prowess as he got to his eighth Test hundred off just 91 deliveries. An innings laced with 11 fours and five maximums.
Opening up on his latest century, Brook said, "I think that might be my favourite hundred so far."
"I enjoyed that a lot. It was seaming and swinging and I'm just glad I put my attacking mode on and really took it to them and put them under pressure."
Pope at the other end, also notched a half-century - 66 off 78 deliveries - as England managed to compile 280 runs before being bowled out.
For the Black Caps, Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/86.
Coming in to bat in the final session of the day, the hosts were unable to forge a partnership as England tightened their grip on the Test.
Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and skipper Ben Stokes all struck with the ball as New Zealand were restricted to 86/5 at the end of day’s play.