Harry Brook's clinical century keeps England's hopes alive in Christchurch
England's fightback on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook, leaving the visitors in a strong position at stumps.
New Zealand vs England, First Test, Scorecard
New Zealand began the day at 319/8, after England's late flurry of wickets on Day 1. Brydon Carse (4/64) wrapped up the Black Caps innings early, dismissing the home side for 348.
England's reply started shakily, with opener Zak Crawley falling early to Matt Henry, trapped plumb in front within the first four overs.
Ben Duckett and debutant Jacob Bethell steadied the innings briefly before Nathan Smith, also on debut, caused chaos just before lunch.
Bethell nicked one to Tom Blundell, handing Smith his first Test wicket. Two balls later, Joe Root, playing in his 150th Test, chopped one onto his stumps, giving Smith his second wicket in quick succession.
Harry Brook’s sublime century narrowed the gap between England and New Zealand in Christchurch 👏 #WTC25 | 📝 #NZvENG: https://t.co/HXf4bg0srm pic.twitter.com/Z61bGqMwe4
— ICC (@ICC) November 29, 2024
Harry Brook entered the fray and took control of the proceedings, finding support in Ollie Pope. The duo put on a commanding 151-run partnership, mixing regular strike rotation with aggressive stroke play to put England back in the contest.
At 222/4, Ollie Pope’s entertaining 77-run knock came to an end courtesy of a stunning one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point. Ben Stokes (37*) then joined Brook and carried the momentum forward, forming an unbeaten 97-run partnership.
Brook's seventh Test hundred, and his third of the year came just when England needed it the most after finding themselves in a position of worry at 45/3.
The right-hand batter concluded the day on a superb 132*, guiding the visitors to within striking distance of New Zealand’s total.
West Indies move off the bottom, while the race is tight for Final spots 👀#WTC25 State of Play 👉 https://t.co/g9QCZ8niWC pic.twitter.com/sbk2nUvaO5
— ICC (@ICC) November 27, 2024
Earlier in the New Zealand innings, Kane Williamson powered the Kiwis’ with a finely crafted 93, followed by an enterprising 58* from Glenn Phillips at the end.
While England are out of contention for next year's ICC World Test Championship Final, New Zealand are still in the race and have a good chance of making it if they clean sweep the visitors.