Day 1 Second test between England and new Zealand England’s bowling on Friday (December 6) showed resilience and dominance at the Wellington Basin Reserve. After being sent into bat, the visitors suffered an early collapse and slipped to 43/4 against a disciplined Blackcaps attack. However, Harry Brooke‘s scintillating 123, together with Ollie Pop‘s gritty 66 revived England’s innings and pushed them to a competitive 280. In response, New Zealand’s high command crumbled under a heavy British onslaught. ending the day at 86/5 and trailing by 194 runswith Tom Blundell and Will O’Rourke holding the fort.
Harry Brook and Olly Pope save England from early collapse
England’s innings started on a disastrous note, with Zack Crowley and Ben Duckett was dismissed cheaply and then quickly left Joe Roth and a debutante Jacob Bethell. England’s best match was 43/4 led by New Zealand’s bowlers Matt Henry and O’Rourke, made excellent use of the conditions. However, Brooke counter-attacked with power, hitting 11 fours and five sixes in 123 off 115 balls. At the other end, Pope anchored the innings with a 66 and shared a stand of 174 with Brooke. Despite his heroes, a late-order fall orchestrated by Nathan Smith Restricted England to 280 in less than 55 overs.
England bowlers leave New Zealand under pressure
New Zealand’s response to a rocky start as Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson they struck early to eliminate them Devon Conway and Tom Latham. Brydon Carse made a decisive breakthrough, dismissed him Kane Williamson for a well-made 37 which turned out to be the only bright spot for the hosts. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra were eliminated with disciplined lines Ben Stokes and Atkinson as New Zealand were bowled out for 86/5. Combining pace and accuracy, the English pacers continued to trouble the batsmen and maintained relentless pressure throughout the final session.
READ ALSO: Mother of chance! Kane Williamson and KL Rahul escaped dismissal in No-Tups in the Wellington and Adelaide Tests on the same day.
Here’s how Twitter reacted
Harry Brook has hundreds as does AB de Villiers.
This is his 10th overseas Test.#NZvENG
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) December 6, 2024
Eleven overseas players have scored more Test hundreds for England than Harry Brook. This is his 10th test overseas. Stupid.
– Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke away from home
Tests – 10
Innings – 16
Continuation – 1464
Average – 91.50
SR – 96.50
100-7
50-3
If he scores away 🦆 in the next 13 innings..the average will still be 50+
Exceptional numbers..at 25 he has 7-100…– JSK (@imjsk27) December 6, 2024
Meanwhile, just saw the points in Wellington. 43/4 after another save. Not watched, but day 1 is often difficult in the basin reserve, especially in the morning. Harry Brook shows why he is a special player. Achieving greatness is a given for him! #NZvENG
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) December 6, 2024
171 followed by 123 making it 294 runs in two innings for Harry Brooke.
He recently scored a triple goal. If it’s not a rank turner, the Yorkshireman is in business.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke is an unreal man. Bro hundreds of points for fun! His 8th Test century from just 91 balls 🔥🔥🔥 #NZvENG
— Naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke is amazing again!
👏🏻🏏— Dan Bateman🎙️ (@dan_batemannn) December 6, 2024
The result of a random night test. Wow Harry Brook take a bow. Points will be amazing #NZvENG
— Rehana Younis (@rk_younis) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke is amazing. Awesome.
Nothing else needs to be said.— James Butler | Podcast for Cricket Badger 🏏🦡🇺🇦 (@cricket_badger) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke is not slow. He is a serious talent against pacers and favorable conditions. He should improve against spinners and spinners
— Muhammad Umair (@mumairziaa) December 6, 2024
When it comes to men’s Test cricket, we’re very much in ‘the boys are good’ territory. After all, it always takes at least a few key performers to put their colors on: in Brooke and Jaiswal, we have worthy successors to the Fab Four. #NZvENG
— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) December 6, 2024
Harry Brook is a driven car!!
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 6, 2024
What a player Harry Brook is!! #NZvENG
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 6, 2024
Harry Brooke received over 1,000 entries this year. But these last hundred runs may be the most impressive and if you are an England fan, they create hope and optimism about the future of English cricket. #NZvENG
— Atif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 6, 2024
