Zak Crawley smashes six in first over, scripts history (Tests)
What's the story
England opener Zak Crawley etched his name in the history of Test cricket by smashing a six off Tim Southee's delivery in the first over of the Wellington Test against New Zealand. This came after New Zealand captain Tom Latham opted to field first. Crawley was up against Southee and scored through an inside edge toward the leg side off the first delivery.
Historic moment
Crawley's 6: A rare feat in Test cricket history
After getting two runs off the next delivery, Crawley capitalized on his next scoring opportunity off Southee's last ball. He hit it straight back over Southee with enough height to clear the long-off boundary for a six. This is only the third instance in Test cricket history where a six was scored in an opening over. The previous two were both by West Indies's Chris Gayle during a 2012 Test match against Bangladesh.
Unprecedented record
Crawley's unique achievement against pace bowling
Crawley's six not only added to England's 10 runs in the over but also set a unique record. Unlike Gayle who hit his sixes off spin bowler Sohag Gazi, Crawley is the first batter to hit a six off a pace bowler in the first over of a Test innings. This makes his achievement in Wellington all the more unique.
Summary
England on top of NZ
Meanwhile, Crawley was eventually dismissed for a 23-ball 17 as Matt Henry castled his stumps. Nevertheless, Harry Brook (123) produced yet another sensational, scoring his second consecutive century in the series. Ollie Pope (66) complimented him well as their brilliance powered England to 280/10. NZ, in response, are off to a terrible start as they were 86/5 at stumps on the opening day.