New Zealand v England 2nd Test analysis: Harry Brook ton puts England in charge

Harry Brook continued his phenomenal run of form overseas with a stunning century as England recovered from a shaky start to take control on day one of the second Test in Wellington.

Brook (123) put on 174 for the fifth-wicket alongside Ollie Pope (66) as England raced to a respectable 280 all out in bowler-friendly conditions, though no other batter passed 18.

England’s seam quartet then all struck in the final session as the hosts closed on 86-5, still trailing by 194 runs on another enthralling day of Test cricket between these two sides, writes Sports News Blitz’s Dom Harris.

Brook and Pope display powers of recovery once more

In a mirror image of England’s first innings in Christchurch, Brook and Pope produced a counter-attacking masterclass to rebuild the tourists following the loss of four early wickets.

Having put on 151 in 31 overs last week, the pair shared a 174-run stand this time around at an even quicker rate to rescue England from 43-4.

Brook brought up back-to-back centuries off just 91 balls which included some staggering strokeplay and aggressive running, effectively using his crease for four audacious sixes over the extra cover region in particular.

Brook, who scored 186 at quicker than a run-a-ball on this ground in 2023, passed 1,000 Test runs this calendar year in the process and became the 10th-fastest player to eight Test centuries - his away average now standing at a remarkable 91.50.

Pope once again showed his class and made a vital contribution with a second half-century in a row, his 66 coming from 78 deliveries.

Despite an impressive average of 40 at number three - which is often overlooked - and the expectation Jamie Smith will slot straight back into the team next year, Pope’s performances with the bat on this tour thus far will only raise further questions surrounding his best position in the batting order.

In the end, both batters were dismissed in rather cheap fashion as England’s tail failed to wag on this occasion in losing their final six wickets for 63 runs.

Pope skied a short ball by Will O’Rourke and Brook gave up attempting to make his ground following a miscommunication with Chris Woakes which allowed Nathan Smith time to make a direct hit on his follow-through.

What was most impressive about this partnership, though, was that the surface continued to offer assistance to the New Zealand pace bowlers long into the afternoon session.

There was plenty of swing and seam for the likes of Matt Henry and Tim Southee to shape the ball away from the batters, whilst O’Rourke was proving challenging with some uneven bounce.

Brook and Pope showcased just how effective the Bazball ethos can be.

Whilst riding their luck at times, their bravery and risk-taking was rewarded and justified a mentality of attack as the best form of defence.

New Zealand claimed four wickets in the morning session, yet went to lunch as the side on the back foot due to the intent shown.

Despite only occupying the crease for less than 55 overs on the first day, England had posted a seemingly competitive total on the board.

READ MORE: Premier League betting tips: Everton vs Liverpool dominates derby weekend

England top order come unstuck…again

Not for the first time on this tour, England’s top order failed to navigate the tricky first hour against New Zealand quicks who were once again extremely accurate with the new ball.

Despite being asked to bat, Ben Stokes claimed he would have done so anyway but England were far too expansive against the moving ball with a number of false shots on display.

Ben Duckett failed to trouble the scorers as he edged to slip, whilst Zak Crawley’s chaotic short stay at the crease was very much that of a man under pressure - becoming only the second player after Chris Gayle to hit a six in the first over of a Test match before swiftly becoming Henry’s second scalp in an opening spell which began with four maidens.

Joe Root was caught smartly by Daryl Mitchell - the first time in his Test career he has registered three consecutive single-figure scores - and Jacob Bethell, who had just hit two confident straight drives, fell into Smith’s short ball trap as he gloved an attempted pull shot down the leg side.

Carse shines again as Kiwis fail to capitalise

As in Christchurch, New Zealand were left frustrated by the England middle order after starting well with the ball.

Unlike in the first Test, though, the hosts took their catches and were able to wrap up the innings without too much further damage - the final four wickets falling within just 16 deliveries.

In reply, Devon Conway’s lean form continued as he edged to slip off Gus Atkinson, whilst captain Tom Latham could only chop on a delivery by his opposing counterpart who brushed off any fitness concerns with eight overs under his belt.

Carse, who was player-of-the-match in the first Test with 10 wickets, impressed once again and took centre stage as the day drew to a close.

The fast bowler snaffled a brilliant diving catch at mid wicket off a looping Rachin Ravindra inside edge to hand Woakes his first wicket, before finding the outside edge of Kane Williamson who looked in good touch, shortly after handing the Kiwi talisman a lifeline by marginally overstepping on a beauty of a delivery which clipped the top of off stump.

Carse’s short ball then did for Mitchell as New Zealand slipped from 53-1 to 79-5.

They are now facing an uphill battle to save this Test match and the series on an eventful first day which saw 15 wickets fall.

READ MORE: Leeds United vs Derby County analysis: Five key battles and score prediction