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Twitter reactions: Harry Brook, Joe Root shine as England crush New Zealand in Wellington Test to register a historic win

Admin December 08, 2024
Harry Brook and Joe Root

Harry Brook‘s exceptional form powered England to a comprehensive 323-run victory in the second Test against New Zealand. It was England’s first series win against New Zealand away with last came in 2008.  With scores of 123 in the first innings and 55 in the second, Brook anchored England’s batting in crucial moments. His counter-attacking 115-ball century in the first innings, combined with his composed fifty in the second, exemplified his class. England’s victory was built around his contributions, further solidifying his reputation as a match-winner.

England’s first innings: Harry Brook’s heroics save the day

England’s batting began with a collapse as they stumbled to 43/4 within the first hour. Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root fell to New Zealand’s pace attack, exposing the middle order. Brook and Ollie Pope turned the tide with a counterattacking fifth-wicket stand worth 174 runs. Brook’s scintillating 123 off 115 deliveries included 11 fours and 5 sixes, dismantling the Blackcaps bowlers. Pope played a perfect supporting role, scoring a vital 66 off 78 balls to stabilize the innings. England eventually posted 280, with Nathan Smith claiming four wickets. Brook’s fearless batting highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure, marking him as England’s standout performer.

New Zealand’s first innings: Batting collapse

New Zealand’s response with the bat was lackluster, as they crumbled under England’s disciplined bowling. Kane Williamson’s gritty 37 and Tom Latham’s 17 offered some resistance, but the rest of the lineup faltered. Brydon Carse, playing one of his best Test matches, ripped through the middle order with 4/46. Gus Atkinson was equally devastating, taking 4/31 and cleaning up the tail efficiently. New Zealand was dismissed for a paltry 125 in just 34.5 overs, handing England a substantial lead of 155 runs. The top-order failures and inability to counter England’s pace exposed New Zealand’s batting frailties. This poor showing left the hosts on the back foot and struggling to stay in the contest.

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England’s second innings: Joe Root’s 36th Test century

England capitalized on their first-innings lead with an impressive second-innings batting performance. Ben Duckett led the charge with a composed 92, while Jacob Bethell showcased maturity beyond his years with a maiden 96. Root played an anchor role, scoring a masterful 106 to steer England towards a declaration. Brook added a quick 55, maintaining his rich vein of form in the series. Contributions from the top four batters helped England post a mammoth 427/6 declared, setting a near-impossible target of 583. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Matt Henry and Tim Southee picking two wickets each. England’s intent and dominance were evident as they tightened their grip on the match.

New Zealand’s second innings: Brave effort from Tom Blundell falls short

Facing a daunting target, New Zealand showed more grit in their second innings but ultimately fell short. Tom Blundell led the fightback with a determined 115, holding the innings together against relentless English bowling. Latham contributed 24, while Daryl Mitchell promising 32 hinted at his potential. However, the rest of the lineup failed to provide meaningful support, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Ben Stokes once again excelled with figures of 3/5, while Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. New Zealand was bowled out for 259 in 83.5 overs, losing by a staggering 323 runs. The effort was valiant but insufficient against an in-form England side.

Harry Brook: Player of the match

Brook earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performances across both innings. His first-innings 123 rescued England from a precarious position and set the tone for their dominance. In the second innings, he added a quick-fire 55, further cementing his impact on the game. Brook’s fearless stroke play and ability to thrive under pressure highlighted his growing stature in international cricket. He attacked New Zealand’s bowlers with precision, turning the game in England’s favor. His contributions were instrumental in England’s commanding victory and demonstrated his importance to the team. Brook continues to emerge as a future cornerstone of English cricket.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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