England batter Harry Brook has been continuing his purple patch in Test cricket in the ongoing opening game of the 2-match series against Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. However, he failed to score a century in the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand as he amassed his second Test half-century and entertained the fans at the venue.
Coming in to bat at No. 5 in the 27th over, Harry Brook amassed 89 (81) comprising 15 fours and a six at a strike rate of 109.87 to not let his team lose an advantage created by opening batter Ben Duckett (84) in the afternoon. With the current crop of English batters playing the aggressive brand of cricket in Tests as well, Harry Brook kept on smashing boundaries all around the ground.
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Despite the loss of two quick wickets, a brave Brook hit an aerial off drove off New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner on the fourth ball that he faced to earn his first boundary despite not the most perfect of executions. It was against Wagner only that Harry Brook hit his next three fours over the slips, through covers, and over mid-off to get going. What followed was the youngsters keeping up the ante with the help of numerous eye-catching shots in the process.
Duckett and Brook’s half-centuries played a key role in England declaring their innings at 325/9 in 58.2 overs. Assuming Brook manages to score his fourth Test century in the second innings of this match, he will become only the 13th batter in the history of cricket to score centuries in four consecutive Test matches.
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In the 45th over of the game, when Harry Brooks was playing at a knock of 70 off 55 balls smashed a lofted off-driver off Tim Southee which went for the huge six. He took half a stride and then he drover the ball malevolently through the line, lofting Southee high and winsome well beyond the rope.
Here is the video of the shot from Harry Brook:
Pick this one out 😍
Harry Brook with some shot for a maximum over mid off 🤩
The runs keep on coming for England 🏴#NZvENG pic.twitter.com/3l8Xd7PkWE
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 16, 2023
