NZ v England – Harry Brook credits his hard hitting for Christchurch success

Brook continued on day three with 132 not out – having secured the distinction of becoming England’s second-fastest batsman to reach two thousand Test runs in his 36th innings – and added 39 from 34 deliveries. A sixth wicket stand with Ben Stokes (who finished on 80) took England past New Zealand’s first innings score of 348.

This partnership would eventually be broken at 159 when Brook played a lead off Matt Henry through to Tom Blundell. The relief on the field was palpable, and not just because Brook had started to free his arms, which included putting Tim Southee on the roof of the pavilion for his third six.

New Zealand, who capitalized on eight chances in total, dropped Brook four times on Friday (for 18, 41, 70 and 106) before managing again for 147 on Saturday morning. Brook looked up at the sky as he reached three numbers, although this time he laughed to himself.

The last was the easiest of all; straight to Glenn Phillips at Gully, who was also responsible for the costliest miss at 18. The Yorkshire batsman didn’t waste all of his chances easily – not least because he hits the ball so hard, as evidenced by most of his 18 boundaries.

“Especially that first drop. To be honest, I’m not sure many people catch it,” Brook said. “I took that very hard.

“Sometimes I throw my hands at it pretty hard and it will be a good catch if you catch one in the canyon there, especially because of the view. Just go out there and watch the ball and really try to hit it.”

Phillips redeemed himself to some extent on Friday when he removed Ollie Pope for 77 with an impressive effort shot all the way to the right. Brook, who had been given three lives at this point, went to Pope and apologized as he walked away.

However, it was still a substantial innings from Brook, his second this winter after the blockbuster 317 against Pakistan in early October. He was at the center of Hagley Oval for five hours and 23 minutes, having arrived at the start of the second session of the second day with his side at 45-3.

An attacking lofted cover drive off Southee – on his 186th ball – took him past 150 for the fourth time. The career average is now just over 60, with the average against New Zealand a crisp 100.00.

“I just think I went out there and really tried to pass the ball,” said Brook, who couldn’t explain why he found the hosts such approachable opponents.

“The throws were pretty good, with some speed and bounce, and if you can make it past the infield it’s usually four. I tried to use the pace, use the jump and had pretty good luck with that this week there.”