New Zealand vs England: Harry Brook and Ollie Pope rebuild tourists in Christchurch
For all the lingering questions about England’s ‘Bazballing’ approach to batting, Brooke-Pope’s stance provided a counterattack when it was needed most. They were rattling all the way, and it was almost past five o’clock.
Even without missed opportunities, luck exists. Pope needed time to figure things out and both men stormed through the breach. Brooke’s misses were 18, 41, 70 and 106.
Had Phillips caught Brooke’s first delivery after the bowling of debutant Nathan Smith, England’s record would have been 77-5. The next two overs, with Latham slipping off Smith and Devon Conway deep at mid-wicket on Phillips, were nothing short of farce.
Brooke passed 2,000 test runs in the 36th over. Only the great Herbert Sutcliffe got there faster for England. Paradoxically, Pope’s placement at No. 6 only adds to questions about whether he should be England’s No. 3.
Considering the swing he had throughout the year and the life Brook gained, Pope must be cursing his luck that he fell victim to Phillips’ gravity-defying talents. Even Brooke gave him a comforting pat on the way out.
Brooke, who had already hit two sixes, robbed Southee of four balls before cutting off the same bowler for his seventh Test ton. Then came the final slip, when Will O’Rourke’s flick to the leg side was parried away by goalkeeper Tom Blundell. Farewell but review will confirm the bat.