England All Out for 280 After Sizzling Brook Century

AFP/APP

Wellington: Harry Brook lit up the Basin Reserve with a magnificent century as England posted 280 on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Brook’s 123 rescued England from a precarious 43-4 after the hosts exploited a green pitch in the morning session.

Brook and Ollie Pope stitched together a crucial 174-run partnership off just 158 balls to counter New Zealand’s seam-heavy attack. Pope contributed a composed 66 before falling to Will O’Rourke (3-49), whose spell broke England’s momentum.

The 25-year-old Brook showcased his attacking prowess, smashing five sixes and 11 fours from 115 deliveries. His scintillating knock was highlighted by two towering sixes over extra cover in the first session. However, his innings ended dramatically just before tea when he was run out after a mix-up with Chris Woakes.

New Zealand’s bowlers struck back swiftly in the final session. Nathan Smith (4-86), playing only his second Test, cleaned up the tail after dismissing key batters Joe Root (3) and Jacob Bethell (16) earlier. Matt Henry (2-43) and Smith had set the tone early, leaving England in trouble before Brook and Pope’s counter-attack.

New Zealand’s fielding, a weak point in the first Test, was sharp this time. Daryl Mitchell’s stunning one-handed catch at first slip to dismiss Root stood out as a fielding highlight.

England’s innings mirrored their first-Test resilience, with Brook leading the charge for the second time this series. He followed his 171 in Christchurch with another masterclass, continuing his prolific form at the Basin Reserve, where he scored 186 in a match last year.

The hosts will be buoyed by their late-session breakthroughs and will look to capitalize on England’s modest total when they take to the crease on day two.