Brook hits century as England take charge
England took charge of the second Test against New Zealand as Harry Brook’s second century of the series drove them to 280 before they reduced the hosts to 86/5 at the close of the opening day.
In an echo of last week’s first Test which England won by eight wickets, Brook and Ollie Pope resurrected the innings from 43/4 with a fifth-wicket partnership of 174 after the top order had crumbled again. Brook was dismissed in farcical circumstances when he was run out for 123 to bring up tea but he still took his tally in his four Tests in New Zealand to three centuries and 613 runs at an average of 122.6. “I think that might be my favourite hundred so far,” said Brook, who has scored eight over his 23-Test career. “It was seaming and swinging and I’m just glad I put my attacking mode on.”
