Twitter reactions: Harry Brook leads England’s fightback with a magnificent century against New Zealand on Day 1 of Wellington Test

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The Day 1 of the second Test between England and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington showcased England’s resilience and bowling supremacy on Friday (December 6). After being sent in to bat, the visitors faced an early collapse, slipping to 43/4 against a disciplined Blackcaps attack. However, Harry Brook‘s scintillating 123, combined with Ollie Pope’s gritty 66, revived England’s innings and pushed them to a competitive 280. In response, New Zealand’s top order crumbled under England’s fiery pace assault, ending the day at 86/5 and trailing by 194 runs, with Tom Blundell and Will O’Rourke holding fort.

Harry Brook and Ollie Pope rescue England from early collapse

England’s innings began on a disastrous note, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett dismissed cheaply, followed by quick departures of Joe Root and debutant Jacob Bethell. The top-order debacle left England reeling at 43/4, as New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry and O’Rourke, exploited the conditions superbly. However, Brook counterattacked with authority, smashing 11 fours and five sixes in a masterful 123 off 115 balls. At the other end, Pope anchored the innings with a composed 66, sharing a 174-run stand with Brook. Despite their heroics, a late-order collapse orchestrated by Nathan Smith restricted England to 280 in just under 55 overs.

England’s bowlers leave New Zealand reeling under pressure

New Zealand’s reply got off to a rocky start as Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson struck early blows to remove Devon Conway and Tom Latham. Brydon Carse delivered the crucial breakthrough, dismissing Kane Williamson for a well-constructed 37, which turned out to be the sole bright spot for the hosts. Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra were undone by disciplined lines from Ben Stokes and Atkinson, as New Zealand slumped to 86/5 by stumps. The English pacers combined pace and accuracy, consistently troubling the batters and maintaining unrelenting pressure throughout the final session.

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