Harry Brook smokes fiery fifty in Day-Night Test vs NZ
Extending his sensational run in whites, England's batting sensation Harry Brook brought up a fiery fifty in the ongoing Day-Night Test versus New Zealand. As usual, Brook was aggressive in his approach and he recorded an 81-ball 89 (15 fours, 1 six). The 23-year-old missed out on his fourth Test ton in just five appearances in the format. Here we look at his stats.
Another power-packed knock from Brook
NZ won the toss in the Day-Night game and put England to bat first at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Brook arrived at number five with the scorecard reading 152/3. Unfazed by the pink ball, Brook attacked from the outset as England's scoring rate remained healthy. He added a half-century stand (89) alongside Ben Foakes as England crossed the 300-run mark on Day 1.
How he has fared in Tests?
Brook, who debuted in Tests versus South Africa in September last year, has made a jaw-dropping start to his Test career. He has so far accumulated 569 runs in five games at a stellar average of 81.29. Meanwhile, his strike rate is nearly 95 (94.52). The right-handed batter now owns three tons and two fifties in the format (Highest score: 153).
Sensational run in the Pakistan series
Brook scripted a plethora of records during the Pakistan Test series last year. With 468 runs in three Tests, the 23-year-old finished the series as the highest run-getter. His average and strike rate read 93.60 and 93.41, respectively. Brook became the first England batter to score 450+ runs in a Test series in Pakistan. As a result, England recorded a historic 3-0 triumph.
Centuries in each game of an away series
Brook, who was adjudged the Player of the Series, smashed centuries in all three games versus Pakistan. As per ESPNcricinfo, Brook has become only the second batter to score hundreds in each game of an away series (three or more Tests). New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell is the only other batter with the feat. Notably, the Pakistan series marked Brook's maiden away Test assignment.
Centuries in three consecutive away Tests
Brook became the eighth England batter to have scored centuries in three consecutive away Tests. Ken Barrington, Jack Hobbs, Wally Hammond, Chris Broad, Joe Root, Andrew Strauss, and Alastair Cook are the other England batters with this feat.
Third-highest score for England in D/N Tests
Meanwhile, Brook's 89 is the third-highest individual score for an England batter in Day-Night Tests. Alastair Cook (243 vs West Indies in 2017) and Joe Root (136 vs West Indies in 2017) are England's only centurions in this regard.
How did the England innings pan out?
The Brits were off to a poor start with opener Zak Crawley (4) perishing cheaply. Nevertheless, Ben Duckett (84) joined forces with Ollie Pope (42) and the duo added 99 runs for the second wicket. While Joe Root (14) and skipper Ben Stokes (19) couldn't contribute much, Brook's brilliance meant England declared at 325/9. Foakes also played a handy 38-run knock.
