HARRY BROOK's unbeaten 132 guided England to a strong position against New Zealand on day two of the first Test in Christchurch.
The visitors recovered from 71-4 to reach 319-5 at stumps, trailing New Zealand’s first-innings total of 348 by just 29 runs.
Brook’s knock came as England capitalised on New Zealand’s six dropped catches, three of them by captain Tom Latham.
Ben Stokes, unbeaten on 37, survived a dropped catch by Latham on 30, joining Brook in a crucial sixth-wicket stand. Earlier, Brook and Ollie Pope staged a counter-attack, adding 151 runs off 171 balls for the fifth wicket to rescue England from a precarious position.
Reflecting on the recovery, Pope said: "From where we were to where we are now, the boys are very happy."
New Zealand debutant Nathan Smith acknowledged the need for improvement in the field, saying: "It’s really key that we’re nice and accurate with the new ball and take the chances when they come."
Brook benefited from four reprieves during his innings, dropped on 18, 41, 70, and 106. One drop, missed by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, was confirmed by television replays. Despite New Zealand’s early success under cloudy skies, England's onslaught began as conditions brightened.
New Zealand resumed the day at 319-8 and added 29 more runs to reach 348, with Glenn Phillips contributing an unbeaten 58. Kane Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with 93, while Brydon Carse finished as England’s best bowler, claiming 4-64.
England's innings started poorly. Zak Crawley fell lbw to Matt Henry without scoring, while Smith removed Jacob Bethell for 10 and Joe Root for a duck in his 150th Test. Ben Duckett’s attacking 46 helped steady the innings before he fell to Will O’Rourke, leaving England at 71-4.
Brook and Pope then countered New Zealand’s bowlers, with Brook bringing up his seventh Test century by steering a Tim Southee delivery to the boundary. England will resume with five wickets in hand, aiming to build on their 319-5 total.
(With inputs from AFP)
