Harry Brook continued to flourish at the biggest stage, converting his fifth successive 50+ score into a scintillating 107-ball 100 – fourth in just nine innings – as England wrestled the advantage after losing three early wickets at Basin Reserve on Day 1. Joe Root kept the wunderkind company as the fourth-wicket pair took England to 237/3.
Almost every New Zealand bowler erred on the fuller side against Brook and was meted out disdainful treatment as the swing that was on offer in the morning session waned. Against Daryl Mitchell, the right-hander hit a straight six and followed it up with one over long on the next ball. Versus Matt Henry, he once again went down the ground to fetch four. A lusty blow off Michael Bracewell took him into the 90s.
Root too achieved his half-century as New Zealand bowlers toiled fruitlessly in the second session. The former England captain eschewed the reverse sweep – a shot that led to his dismissal in both innings of the first Test.
Brief Scores: England 237/3 (Harry Brook 136*, Joe Root 72*; Matt Henry 2-46) vs New Zealand