England's Harry Brook showcased his exceptional form once again, scoring a century in the second consecutive Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Friday.
Entering the match with England in a precarious position at 43 for 4, Brook executed a remarkable counter-attack, finishing with 123 runs off 115 balls, which included 11 fours and five sixes, achieving a strike rate of 106.95. This performance followed his impressive 171 runs in the previous Test held in Christchurch.
After 23 Tests, Brook has amassed 2,225 runs at an average of 61.80 and a strike rate of 88.53, including eight centuries and nine fifties, with a personal best of 317. Notably, seven of his centuries have been scored in away matches. In away conditions, he has accumulated 1,464 runs in 10 Tests and 16 innings, averaging 91.50 with a strike rate of 96.50, featuring seven centuries and three fifties. His highest score remains 317.
In contrast, Brook's home performance includes 761 runs in 13 Tests and 21 innings, averaging 38.05, with one century and six fifties, his best being 109.
His record in New Zealand is particularly impressive, with 623 runs in four matches at an average of 103.83, including three centuries and two fifties across six innings, with a top score of 186.
In the match, after being put to bat first by New Zealand's captain Latham, England struggled early on but recovered thanks to Brook's century and a solid half-century from Ollie Pope, who scored 66 runs off 78 balls. Together, they forged a 174-run partnership for the fifth wicket, leading England to a total of 280 all out in 54.4 overs. Nathan Smith was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 4 wickets for 86 runs, while Will O'Rourke claimed 3 for 49, and Matt Henry took two wickets. England currently leads the three-match series 1-0.
