Harry Brook’s scintillating century was backed up by crucial late wickets from Brydon Carse on the first day of England’s second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Brook continued his stellar form and phenomenal overseas record with 123 from 115 deliveries. He added 174 for the fifth wicket with Ollie Pope, who made 66.
Either side, having lost the toss and been asked to bat, England were too expansive against the moving ball.
Their first four wickets fell for 43 runs, including Zak Crawley for a skittish 17, and their last four for 21.
After Brook and Pope, Chris Woakes’ 18 was the next highest score in the tourists’ 280.
The value of that total was put into context by England’s collective assault on the New Zealand top order.
Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes claimed a wicket each, but Kane Williamson survived a tight caught-behind review and being bowled off a no-ball, both off Carse.
The paceman would not be denied. An edge off Williamson ended in the gloves of Pope, then a lifter took the glove of Daryl Mitchell to leave New Zealand 86-5 at stumps, 194 behind. (BBC)
