Magnificent Brook puts England in charge of New Zealand Test

Harry Brook

WELLINGTON, AFP: Red-hot Harry Brook made a majestic 184 not out to put England firmly in control against New Zealand in the second Test in Wellington on Friday.

Joe Root was also unbeaten on a classy 101 as the tourists blazed their way to 315-3 before rain ended the opening day of the series decider early.

Brook’s breathtaking display at the Basin Reserve made him the first player to score 800 or more runs in his first nine Test innings. The 24-year-old came to the crease with England wobbling at 21-3 inside the first seven overs.

It then became the Brook show as he took his Test average to just over 100 in only his sixth match. He has four tons already. Brook rated his Wellington knock as the best of his fledgling Test career given England’s precarious situation when he came in to bat.

Brook was player of the match in the first Test with back-to-back half-centuries to help England to a 267-run win. He continued the remarkable start to his Test career with a magnificent unbeaten knock laced with 24 fours and five sixes. His 184 came off 169 balls.

England, who have won 10 of their last 11 Tests, stuck with the same team that convincingly won the opening game.

New Zealand made two changes with Will Young and Henry replacing Scott Kuggeleijn and Blair Tickner.