2nd Test
Day-1 Highlights:
Harry Brook and the bowlers have provided England with a strong start in Wellington
At The Stumps Of Day-1:
England scored 280 (1st Innings), where as New Zealand scored 86/5 (1st Innings).
So, finally England lead by 194 runs.
Harry Brook starred with a dazzling 91-ball century, his eighth in Test cricket and second in as many innings, leading England’s recovery after a shaky start.
He and Ollie Pope combined for a 174-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but New Zealand’s pace attack, led by Nathan Smith (4-86), William O’Rourke (3-49), and Matt Henry (2-43), fought back, dismissing England for 280.
New Zealand’s top order faltered, leaving them at 86/5 at stumps.
Brook once again arrived with England in trouble, having previously rescued them in Christchurch with a magnificent 171.
In Wellington, he came to the crease at 26/3, and with aggressive strokeplay, he raced to 123 off 115 balls by Tea.
After Tom Latham opted to bowl, New Zealand’s pacers quickly reduced England to 43/4, with Henry and Smith extracting movement off the pitch.
However, Brook and Pope countered with aggressive shots, including sixes and boundaries, taking England to 124/4 by lunch.
Brook dominated the second session, dispatching Smith and Henry to all parts of the ground, while Pope supported him with a brisk half-century.
Their partnership was finally broken when Pope was dismissed, but Brook continued his assault until he was run out on 123 just before Tea.
England’s tail collapsed after Tea, finishing all out for 280.
New Zealand’s response faltered early, with Gus Atkinson dismissing Devon Conway and a fortuitous reprieve for Kane Williamson, who survived a close call with an off-stump delivery.
However, after the drinks break in the final session, Latham was bowled out, and New Zealand lost wickets at regular intervals.
Rachin Ravindra and Williamson fell, and Mitchell was caught down the leg side, leaving the hosts reeling at 86/5 at the close of play.
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