Afghanistan‘s victory was nothing short of spectacular. After being reduced to 37 for three early in their innings, they managed to post a formidable total of 325 for seven, thanks largely to Ibrahim Zadran‘s incredible knock. England, chasing 326, were unable to overcome the Afghan bowling attack, despite Joe Root‘s valiant century. The English team’s inability to convert starts into substantial partnerships ultimately led to their downfall, culminating in a thrilling finish where they fell just eight runs short of the target.

Harry Brook covers his face in disappointment after getting dismissed by Mohammad Nabi

One of the pivotal moments in the match was Harry Brook‘s dismissal by Mohammad Nabi. Brook, known for his aggressive batting style, started confidently, hitting four fours in his 25-run innings off 21 deliveries. However, his inability to convert this start into a significant contribution was evident when he fell prey to Nabi’s clever bowling. Brook’s dismissal was not just a turning point in the match but also highlighted his ongoing struggle against spin bowling, particularly in Asian conditions.

Brook’s reaction to his dismissal was telling. He was seen hiding his face in shame and regret, a gesture that resonated with fans and commentators alike. This was not the first time Brook had struggled against spin; he had also fallen to leg spinner Adam Zampa in England’s previous match against Australia. Brook’s record in ODIs in Asia is concerning, with an average of just 22.45 from 11 innings.

Brook’s struggles against spin

Brook’s struggles against spin are not new. In the 20-over format, he averages an impressive 54.78 against pace bowlers but a mere 16.05 against spinners. This stark contrast highlights his vulnerability when facing slower bowlers.

In 2025, Brook has mana??ged only 78 runs at an average of 15.6 and a strike rate of 72.2 in five ODIs. These statistics underscore the need for Brook to work on his tech?nique against spin, especially if he hopes to succeed in international cricket, particularly in Asian conditions.

The road ahead for England

England’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has raised questions about their team dynamics and strategies. Despite having a talented squad, they were unable to capitalize on their strengths, leading to two consecutive defeats. The team will now face South Africa in their f?inal group match, a?? game that, while inconsequential in terms of qualification, will be crucial for building momentum ahead of future tournaments.

Afghanistan’s historic win over England

Afghanistan’s win over England marked a historic moment for the team. It not only showcased their resilience and skill but also highlighted their growth as a cricketing nation. The team’s ability to overcome early setbacks and post a competitive total, followed by a spirited bowling performance, was a testament to their determination and teamwork.

Zadran’s record-breaking innings and Azmatullah Omarzai‘s five-wicket haul were the standout performances of the match. Zadran’s 177 became the highest individual score for Afghanistan in ODIs and broke Ben Duckett‘s record for the highest score in Champions Trophy history. Omarzai’s all-round performance was equally impressive, as he contributed a quickfire 41 with the bat and then took five crucial wickets to seal the victory for Afghanistan.

Also READ: Jos Buttler reflects on England’s early e??xit from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Here’s how fans reacted:

DC owners who brought Harry Brook for 6cr : 😭#HarryBrook #ChampionsTrophy2025 #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/4YFOT1xrIW

— Cricket Chacha🧢🏏 (@Gussail_Chacha) February 27, 2025

Nahh 😭😭😭 Harry Brook getting roasted again pic.twitter.com/iFZf7WUn9P

— Manas (@manas0118) February 27, 2025

Frauds for @englandcricket

Phil Salt
Harry Generational Brook
Jamie Overton (not as much )
Jofra Archer
Guys Atkinson

You're bound to lose if u play 7 Players against team of 11 pic.twitter.com/0EhPHueDFT

— BU-JZ-1 (@perryAduck) February 27, 2025

Harry Brook needs to learn how to play in SMOG.. he can only play in 'FRESH AIR'

— lucky s (@LuckyMLData) February 26, 2025

Dear Harry Brook,

Now go back to England and enjoy its moderate AQI??, champ!

Buh-bye #ENGvsAFG

— Max (@CouchPohtatoh) February 26, 2025

All the hype and the very average Harry brook got exposed so badly…. another reason why stats dont reflect the actual calibre of the player… #AFGvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025

— Yogeshwaran CR (@CrYogeshwaran) February 26, 2025

Harry Brook in Asia😂#AFGvENG pic.twitter.com/pTqabjWfmt

— SID (@Cricvat) February 26, 2025

Rare pictures of Harry Brook covering his face to avoid SMOG💨#AFGvENG #Zadran #Archer #Nabi #Root #Omarzai #Rashid #Overton #Farooqi pic.twitter.com/XrCALWwbak

— padfoot (@Whytfyouhere108) February 26, 2025

The next big thing Harry Brook h??ad an?? underwhelming Champions trophy

— Chip DS (@ChipDs27353) February 27, 2025

Harry brook :-

Don't let him play golf,until he is facing daily 600 balls(white ball) of spin in nets.
Take responsibility.

— Hermit (@herm14t) February 26, 2025

Also READ: Here’s how Aus?tralia, South Africa and Afghanistan can qualif?y for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi final

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It has been a busy day for Alex Carey on the field during the Champions Trophy 2025 group-stage clash against England. After his breathtaking catch to dismiss Phil Salt blew the minds of the cricketing world away, he was in action once again, this time the English vice-captain Harry Brook was on the receiving ??end of brilliance from the 33-year-old.

Alex Carey’s brilliance on the field dismisses Harry Brook 

The incident occurred during the 35th over of England’s innings as Jos Butler led team was steadily inching towards a mammoth total in their opening clash of the Champions Trophy clash against Australia. Ben Duckett and Brook were on the crease for England trying to build another partnership after Joe Root’s dismissal.

Brook attempts to drive the ball over the off-side but mis-hits it, the thick outside edge sending the ball high and wide towards point. Carey reacts instantly, spotting the opportunity. With remarkable agility, he pivots on his heels and starts sprinting towards the ball diagonally. As the ball nears, he times his dive perfectly, stretching out and leaping through the air. With a determined, fully outstretched arm, Carey manages to secure the ball in both hands, clasping it firmly over his shoulder. The crowd holds?? its breath as he completes the stunning catch.

Here’s the video 

Also Watch: Alex Carey grabs a flying catch to dismis?s Phil Salt in Champions Trophy 2025

Harry Brook’s horror-show with the bat continues

Brook was dismissed on just 3 runs in 6 balls. His recent performances have been far from his best, leaving fans and critics alike disappointed. Struggling for consistency, he has failed to find his rhythm, repeatedly falling victim to soft dismissals. His inability to capitalize on favorable conditions has raised questions about his current form. With a series of uncharacteristic shots and mishits, his confidence seems to be waning. Despite his obvious talent, Brook’s struggles at the crease have been evident, and his recent form has been a far cry from the balanced and mature displays he’s known for. Despite his dreadful innings, England managed to put together a towering total of 351/8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Also Read: Fans go gaga over Ben Duckett’s counter-attacking century against Aus?tralia in Champions Trophy 2025

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The ongoing England tour of India 2025 has seen England’s vice-captain Harry Brook face challenges in adapting to Indian spinners, especially Varun Chakravarthy. After being dismissed by Chakravarthy in both the first and second T20Is, Brook made a rather unusual claim about his first dismissal. The England batter blamed ‘fog’ for his failure to pick Chakravarthy’s delivery during the opening match at Eden Gardens. However, the former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has slammed Brook for making excuses.

Harry Brook struggles against Varun Chakravarthy

In the eighth over of the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Brook faced Chakravarthy, who had been brought in for his mystery spin. Chakravarthy delivered a googly around ??the off-stump, and Brook ?attempted to push it down the ground. However, his attempt failed as he managed only an inside edge that flicked his pads and eventually rolled back to hit the stumps. Brook was dismissed for 17 off 14 balls, with two fours and a six.

After the dismissal, Brook was quick to provide an excuse, claiming that the fog in Kolkata had made it difficult for him to pick up the delivery. “I was dismissed because of fog,�?Brook said, seemingly attributing his inability to read the ball to weather conditi?ons.

The following match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai saw another poor outing for Brook against the Indian spinner. In the seventh over of England’s innings,?? Chakravarthy bowled another deliver??y that deceived Brook, leading to his second dismissal by the same bowler in as many games. This time, the ball landed and spun in sharply, with Brook late to react. It slipped through the gap between his bat and pad, shattering the stumps. He was out for 13 off 8 balls, with one four and one six. The consistency with which Chakravarthy dismissed Brook highlighted the ba??tter’s ongoing difficulties against the spinner’s variations.

Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Brook’s ‘Fog�?excuse

Former Indian spinner Ashwin criticized Brook for blaming Kolkata’s fog for his dismissal in the first T20I, pointing out there was no such excuse in the second T20I in Chennai. He suggested that his dismissals were more due to his inability to read the spinner’s bowling than external conditions. Ashwin advised Brook to note that Chakravarthy primarily relies on googlies rather than leg-spin, suggesting Brook should focus on adapting to Chakravarthy’s bowling style.

“There was no smog in Chennai. So, Harry Brook said he got out because of smog at Eden Gardens. I just want to tell one thing to Harry Brook – ‘Harry Brook, keep this thing in mind that Varun Chakravarthy does not bowl leg-spin much, his main strength is googlies only,�?Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Also READ: IND vs ENG, 2nd T20I: Here’s how Gautam Gambhir’s guidance help?ed Tilak Verma in playing a match-winning k??nock

Brook’s misreading of Chakravarthy’s googlies

Ashwin continued to highlight Brook’s recurring mistakes, addin?g that in the first T20I, Brook moved towards the leg-stump and was bowled by a googly. The former Indian cricketer further emphasize?d that reading Chakravarthy’s hand to identify the googly is crucial, adding that lighting or external conditions will not matter if a batter cannot decode the spinner’s deliveries.

�?em>Brook moved towards the leg-stump and got bowled out at Eden Gardens. Again, he covered the stumps and went on the front foot, he did not read the googly and lost his stumps in Chennai. If you see his hand, you can read the googly. It doesn’t matter how the light is, if you don’t see the googly coming, you won’t be able to play it,�?Ashwin concluded.

Also WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah attends Coldplay conce??rt; singer Chris Martin dedicates a special song for the Indian star

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In a humorous turn during the second T20I between India and England in Chennai, commentators Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar poked fun at Harry Brook‘s earlier remarks about the smog in Kolkata, which he claimed had affected his visibility in the first T20I. Brook’s struggles against Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy continue??d, even in Chennai, where sm??og was not a factor.

Varun Chakravarthy outfoxes Harry Brook again

Chakravarthy delivered yet another stunning performance, dismissing Brook for the second time in the series. During the first T20I at Eden Gardens, Brook had humorously cited smog as a reason for his dismissal, claiming it hampered his ability to pick Chakravarthy’s deliveries.

“Chakravarthy is an exceptionally good bowler. But with the smog the other night, it was a lot harder to pick. Hopefully the air is a bit clearer here and we can see the ball a bit easier. Facing spin in T20 cricket is probably the hardest thing in the game, especially because I always get out trying to absolutely smack it,” Brook ha?d said while speaking t??o The Daily Telegraph.

However?, in Chennai’s clear conditions, Chakravarthy’s skill proved to be the undoing of Brook yet again, silencing the earlier excuse.

Also WATCH: IND vs ENG �?Varun Chakravarthy cleans up Harr???y Brook with a jaffa in the 2nd T20I

Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar’s playful jabs

As Brook walked back to the pavilion after being bowled by Chakravarthy in the Chennai T20I, Shastri couldn’t resist taking a jab, commenting, “Once again, it’s Varun Chakravarthy. You don’t need the smog; this is a sneak-through and it’s crashed into the stumps.” Gavaskar joined in on the banter, adding, “Varun Chakravarthy looking at him, he might be asking if there’s any smog?”? The playful remarks left the commentary box in chuckles, perfectly capturing the light-hearted tone of the match.

Also WATCH: Varun Chakravarthy cleans ??up Jamie Overton with a brilliant googly in?? IND vs ENG 2nd T20I

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Varun Chakravarthy’s wizardry with the ball shone brightly in the second T20I between India and England in Chennai as he produced a delivery that left Harry Brook (13) bemused.

Varun Chakravarthy’s magical delivery dissects Harry Brook

On the third ball of the seventh over, Varun unleashed a back-of-the-hand vari?ation that exhibited his skill and mastery of deceptive s??pin. Brook, a batter renowned for his aggressive stroke play, attempted to neutralize the spinner by advancing down the pitch. However, the flight and dip on the ball outfoxed him completely.

As Brook lunged forward, hoping to reach the pitch of the delivery, the ball gripped just enough off the surface. It sneaked through the narrow gap between his inside edge and the pad, ultimately rattling the top of the off-stump. The delivery’s extra bounce added to Brook’s woes, further complicating his read of the ball’s trajectory and spin direction. Brook’s reaction – a faint smile of disbelief – spoke volumes about the sheer quality of the ball. Varun’s fierce glare at Brook underscored his confidence, while the England batter could only walk back, unsure of which way the ball had turned.

Here’s the video:

Through the gates! 🎯

The in-form Varun Cha??karavarthy strik??es in his very first over ⚡️⚡️

Follow The Match ▶️ //t.co/6RwYIFWg7i#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @chakaravarthy29 pic.twitter.com/NddoPmTlDo

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 25, 2025

Also READ: IND vs ENG: Here is why Rinku Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy are not playing today’s ma??tch in Chenn??ai

England struggles against India’s bowling depth in the Chennai T20I

The second T20I has been a challenging outing for England so far, with their batting lineup struggling to build momentum against India’s disciplined bowling attack. After being sent in to bat, England lost Phil Salt in the very first over, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh’s fiery start. Ben Duckett followed soon after, falling to Washington Sundar, leaving England reeling at 26/2 in just ??over three overs.

Despite Jos Buttler’s counter-attacking 45 off 30 balls, which included three sixes, wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Brook and Liam Livingstone were unable to stabilize the innings, undone by Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, respectively. Jamie Smith made a brief impact with a quick-fire 22 off 12 balls on debut, but India’s bowlers kept a tight leash, especially in the middle overs. With England at 127/6 after 15 overs, the visitors will need Brydon Carse an??d to push for a others competitive total, while India remains firmly in control of the game.

Also READ: Jasprit ?Bumrah among??st 3 Indians featuring in ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2024

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England are all set to kick off their much-anticipated tour of India with a five-match T20I series, beginning on Wednesday at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The series presents a thrilling opportunity for England to face the reigning T20 World Cup champions on their home turf, testing their skills against one of the most formidable sides in t??he world. Ahead of the opening encounter, England have revealed their playing XI, which features a mix of experienced stars and promising youngsters.

Ben Duckett and Phil Salt to open the innings

England have entrusted the opening duties to Ben Duckett and Phil Salt, two explosive b??atters known for their ability to dominate the powerplay. Duckett, with his innovative stroke play and ability to counter spin, is expected to be a key asset on Indian pitches. Meanwhile, Salt brings his aggressive approach and versatility, having showcased his prowess in franchise leagues and previous international outings. Together, they form a dynamic pair capable of setting a strong foundation for the team.

Harry Brook takes on vice-captaincy responsibilities

The middle order will feature stalwarts Jos Buttler (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Liam Livingstone, and rising star Jacob Bethell. In a significant move, Brook has been named the vice-captain for the series, highlighting his growing stature w??ithin the team.

Brook, who has been a standout performer in recent times, is seen as a future leader for England and will look to excel in his new role. Buttler’s return as captain adds stability, while Livingstone’s power-hitting and all-round abilities make him a key player. Similarly, Bethell, a promising talent, adds depth to the lineup.

Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures in the India vs England T20I ser??ies

Formidable bowling line-up to challenge India

England’s bowling attack features a balanced mix of pace and spin, designed to challenge India’s strong batting lineup. Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson will provide all-round capabilities, while Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid bring proven experience and skill to the bowling department. Archer and Wood’s raw pace, combined with Rashid’s guile, form a potent attack capable of making inroads at any stage of the game.

Firepower with bat and ball 💥

Brendon McCullum has named the first white-ball team of his reign for tomorrow's opening IT20 v India 💪 pic.twitter.com/DSFdaWVPrB

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 21, 2025

England’s playing XI for the first T20I against India

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkins??on, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Also READ: Top 5 highest ?individual in the India vs England T20I series ft. Suryakuma??r Yadav

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In a significant shift in the world of cricket, Harry Brook has claimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Batter Rankings, marking the end of Joe Root‘s reign at the top. This achievement comes after Brook’s stellar performance against New Zealand, where he scored 123 and 55 runs, leading England to a comman??ding 323-run victory at Basin Reserve. With this remarkable feat, Brook has solidified his place among the elite in international cricket.

Harry Brook’s historic achievement

Brook’s rise to the top of the rankings is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. With a total of 898 rating points, he now holds a narrow one-point lead over Root, who has accumulated 897 points. This milestone not only highlights Brook’s individual prowess but also places him alongside cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, sharing?? the 34th highest rating of all time for Test batters. His consistent performances have been pivotal in establishing him as one of the premier batters in the world today.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Harry Brook, Joe Root shine as England crush New Zealand in We??llington Test to register a historic win

The competitive landscape of ICC Men’s Test batter rankings

The latest ICC Men’s Test Rankings reflect a dynamic and competitive landscape in international cricket. Alongside Brook and Root, several other players have made significant gains. Travis Head from Australia has moved up six spots to fifth place following strong performances, while South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has climbed three places t??o seventh. These changes highlight the intense competition among players striving for excellence in Test cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah remains on top of the bowler’s chart

In the bowling category, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah continues to hold the No. 1 position, maintaining his dominance despite emerging challengers. The recent updates show that Pat Cummins from Australia moved up one spot to fourth, while Matt Henry from New Zealand also climbed one position to ninth. Other notable improvements include Mitchell Starc (up three spots to eleventh), Chris Woakes (up two places to fifteenth), and Gus Atkinson (up four spots to seventeenth).

Ravindra Jadeja dominates the all-rounders�?list

Indian star Ravindra Jadeja remains at the top of the rankings. Following his consistent performances, he has established a firm lead over his competitors. Mehidy Hasan Miraz from Bangladesh has made strides by moving up two places following his contributions in Bangladesh’s series against the West Indies.

The December update of the ICC Men’s Test Rankings showcases a thrilling landscape in international cricket, with Brook’s rise symbolizing a new wave of talent challenging established players like Root. As players continue to vie for top positions in batting, bowling, and all-rounder categories, fans can anticipate an exciting season ahead as teams compete fiercely in upcoming matches and tournaments.

Also READ: Can India reach the WTC 2025 final? Here’s how standings look after South Africa’s?? Gqeberha Test win over Sri Lank?a

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Harry Brook‘s exceptional form powered England to a comprehensive 323-run victory in the second Test against New Zealand. It was England’s first series win against New Zealand away with last came in 2008.  With scores of 123 in the first innings and 55 in the second, Brook anchored England’s batting in crucial moments. His counter-attacking 115-ball century in the first innings, combined with his composed fifty in the second, exemplified his class. England’s victory was built around his contributions, further solidifying his reputation as a match-winner.

England’s first innings: Harry Brook’s heroics save the day

England’s batting began with a collapse as they stumbled to 43/4 within the first hour. Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root fell to New Zealand’s pace attack, exposing the middle order. Brook and Ollie Pope turned the tide with a counterattacking fifth-wicket stand worth 174 runs. Brook’s scintillating 123 off 115 deliveries included 11 fours and 5 sixes, dismantling the Blackcaps bowlers. Pope played a perfect supporting role, scoring a vital 66 off 78 balls to stabilize the innings. England eventually posted 280, with Nathan Smith claiming four wicke??ts. Brook’s fearless batting highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure, marking him as England’s standou??t performer.

New Zealand’s first innings: Batting collapse

New Zealand’s response with the bat was lackluster, as they crumbled under England’s disciplined bowling. Kane Williamson’s gritty 37 and Tom Latham’s 17 offered some resistance, but the rest of the lineup faltered. Brydon Carse, playing one of his best Test matches, ripped through the middle order with 4/46. Gus Atkinson was equally devastating, taking 4/31 and cleaning up the tail efficiently. New Zealand was dismissed for a paltry 125 in just 34.5 overs, handing England a substantial lead of 155 runs. The top-order failures and inability to counter England’s pace exposed New Zealand’s batting frailties. This poor showing left the hosts on the back foot and struggling to stay in the contest.

Also READ: ECB director Rob Key gives his verdict on Jo?fra Archer’s participation in the IPL 2025

England’s second innings: Joe Root’s 36th Test century

England capitalized on their first-innings lead with an impressive second-innings batting performance. Ben Duckett led the charge with a composed 92, while Jacob Bethell showcased maturity beyond his years with a maiden 96. Root played an anchor role, scoring a masterful 106 to steer England towards a declaration. Brook added a quick 55, maintaining his rich vein of form in the series. Contributions from the top four batters helped England post a mammoth 427/6 declared, setting a near-impossible target of 583. New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Matt Henry and Tim Southee picking two wickets each. England’s inte??nt and dominance were evident as they tightened? their grip on the match.

New Zealand’s second innings: Brave effort from Tom Blundell falls short

Facing a daunting target, New Zealand showed more grit in their second innings but ultimately fell short. Tom Blundell led the fightback with a determined 115, holding the innings together against relentless English bowling. Latham contributed 24, while Daryl Mitchell promising 32 hinted at his potential. However, the rest of the lineup failed to provide meaningful support, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Ben Stokes once again excelled with figures of 3/5, while Brydon Carse a?nd Chris Woakes chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. New Zealand was bowled out for 259 in 83.5 overs, losing by a staggering 323 runs. The effort was valian??t but insufficient against an in-form England side.

Harry Brook: Player of the match

Brook earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performances a??cross both innings. His first-innings 123 rescued England from a p??recarious position and set the tone for their dominance. In the second innings, he added a quick-fire 55, further cementing his impact on the game. Brook’s fearless stroke play and ability to thrive under pressure highlighted his growing stature in international cricket. He attacked New Zealand’s bowlers with precision, turning the game in England’s favor. His contributions were instrumental in England’s commanding victory and demonstrated his importance to the team. Brook continues to emerge as a future cornerstone of English cricket.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Joe Root… That is RIDICULOUS! 🤯

He reaches three figures in style, ramping his way to a THIRTY-SIXTH Test century! pic.twitter.com/EFNXzRlatp

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2024

Some people will still look at these numbers and call Joe Root 'a rung below,' like the absolute clowns they are. pic.twitter.com/zJzgLUPG0U

— Westen (@Wessy_x) December 7, 2024

Having someone like Joe Root in your team and then being able to produce someone like Harry Brook as well is a genuine cheat code.#NZvsENG

— Ashley Clarke (@AshleyClarkey8) December 7, 2024

Have to say this
Joe Root has surpassed the level of Kohli, Smith and Kane.
Now that ma??n is in the league of Punt??er, Kallis etc.

— Perpetual Procrastinator (@Akshay01shukla) December 7, 2024

Funny how Joe Root was miles better than everyone at ‘old�?style test cricket then completely changed his game to fit in with ‘new??�?style test cricket and was still miles better than ?anyone else

— John Bradley (@jbradleymedia) December 7, 2024

Watching prime Joe Root and Harry Brook in this team is just so fu??cking fun. Will be gutted when Root retires. Please just bat for?ever.

— Ben Bowman (@ben_bowman_) December 7, 2024

No36👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. England ar??e bossing the game in those conditions, not just batting,,,,the seam bowling is growing into a real force when Atkinson is in his best rhythm and Carse bowls with spirit. They are an intimidating team to play against.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 7, 2024

England are completely dismantling a very good team in their own back yard .. The batters have been very good but it’s the bowling & tactics that will give them great opportunities to win against India at home & the Ashes away .. #NZvsENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 7, 2024

After 38 Innings he has 2280, which ranks 4th behind Bradman, Viv Richards and Weekes. //t.co/1NNu4XokvJ

— James McCaghrey (@MccaghreyJames) December 7, 2024

If Harry? Brook continues to play international cricket for only ?8 years he will break all the world records

— desi mojito 🇮🇳 (@desimojito) December 7, 2024

Also WATCH: Travis He??ad’s wife Jessica comes up with heartfelt reaction on husband’s tremendous century in Adelaide �?AUS vs IND

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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 un?der 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 a?nd accuracy, consistently troubling the batters and maintaining unrelenting pressure throughout the final session.

Also READ: Mother of coincidence! Kane Williamson and KL Rahul escape dismissals on No-Balls on the?? same day in Wellington an?d Adelaide Tests

Here’s how Twitter reacted

Harry Brook has as ?many away hundreds? as AB de Villiers.

This is his 10th away Test.#NZvENG

— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) December 6, 2024

?Eleven men have scored more overseas Test hundreds for?? England than Harry Brook. This is his 10th overseas Test. Silly.

— Dave Tickner (@tickerscricket) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook away from home
Tests – 10
Innings – 16
Runs – 1464
Avg – 91.50
SR – 96.50
100s – 7
50s – 3
If he scores 🦆 in next 13 innings away home..still avg will be 50+
Exceptional numbers..at 25 he has 7 away 100s…

— JSK (@imjsk27) December 6, 2024

Meanwhile, just seen the scores at Wellington. 43/4 followed by another rescue act. Not watched but Day 1 is often tough at Basin Reserve, especially in the morning. Harry Brook continues to show just why he's a special player. Achieving greatness is a given for him! #NZvENG

— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) December 6, 2024

171 followed by 123, which amounts to ??294 runs in two innings for Harry Brook.

He scored a triple not too long ago. If it's not a rank turner, the Yorkshireman is in business.

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook is unreal man. Bro scores hundreds for fun! His 8th Test century from just 91 balls 🔥🔥🔥 #NZvENG

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook incredible once again!
👏🏻🏏

— Dan Bateman (@dan_batemannn) December 6, 2024

Random check score at night. Wow Harry brook take a bow. Highlights will be amazing #NZvENG

— Rehana Younis (@rk_younis) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook is astonishing. Incredible.
There's nothing more to be said.

— James Buttler | Cricket Badger Podcast 🏏🦡🇺🇦 (@cricket_badger) December 6, 2024

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We are very much in ‘the kids are alright�?territory when it comes to men’s Test cricket methinks. Ultimately, it’ll always need at least a couple of key performers to pin its colours to: in Brook & Jaiswal we’ve got worthy successors of the Fab Four. #NZvENG

— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook is a runs machine!!

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 6, 2024

What a player Harry Brook is!! #NZvENG

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 6, 2024

Harry Brook has scored more than 1000 runs this year. But this last hundred runs might be the most impressive and, if you're an England fan, the ones that create the most hope and optimism about the future of English cricket #NZvENG

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 6, 2024

Also READ: NZ vs ENG 2024, Test series: Broadcast, Live? Streaming details �?When and where to watch in India, New Zealand, USA, UK & other? countries

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