ENG VS NZ : Harry Brook-Ollie Pope Brilliant Partnership Firmly Places Them In A Commanding Position

November 29, 2024: At the close of play on Day 2 of the opening Test at Christchurch, England were in a commanding position, thanks to a brilliant, unbeaten century from Harry Brook and a vital fifty from Ollie Pope. With England now just a few hits away from surpassing New Zealand’s first innings total, they will be looking to extend their advantage further on Day 3.

Starting the day at 319/8, New Zealand added just 29 more runs before being bowled out for 348. Glenn Phillips fought valiantly to complete his fifty, but England’s seamers proved too strong. Brydon Carse was the standout bowler, removing Tim Southee (15) and Will O’Rourke (0) to wrap up the innings. Carse finished with figures of 4/64. Fellow fast bowler Gus Atkinson claimed 2 wickets, and Shoaib Bashir also contributed with 4 wickets (4/69), including a key dismissal of Phillips.

England’s reply got off to a shaky start. Zak Crawley (duck off 12 balls) was dismissed early, and then debutant Jacob Bethell (10) fell shortly after, caught by Tom Blundell off Nathan Smith. To make matters worse, Joe Root was dismissed for a duck, clean bowled by Smith, leaving England in a precarious position at 45/3.

However, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope put up a strong fight, with Duckett making 46 (62 balls, 6 fours) before he was dismissed by Will O’Rourke, caught by Devon Conway at deep backward square. England now found themselves at 71/4, still trailing New Zealand’s first-innings total by a significant margin.

From there, the tide turned in England’s favour, as Harry Brook and Ollie Pope launched a counter-attacking partnership. The pair started to build momentum, taking England past the 100-run mark in just 27.2 overs. Brook brought up his half-century in 65 balls, laced with five boundaries and two sixes. Pope followed suit, reaching his fifty in 59 balls, including seven fours.

Their 152-run partnership was the backbone of England’s recovery. The pair brought up the 200-run mark for England in 48 overs, as they continued to punish New Zealand’s bowlers. However, their stand was broken when Tim Southee removed Pope for 77 off 98 balls, with a stunning diving catch by Glenn Phillips at backward point. England was now at 222/5, but Brook remained at the crease, looking unstoppable.

Brook, who had already been in excellent form throughout the series, carried on with his attack, reaching his seventh Test century in 123 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes. With Ben Stokes (37* off 76 balls) providing steady support at the other end, the pair built an unbroken 97-run partnership to finish the day with England at 319/5, just 29 runs shy of New Zealand’s total.New Zealand: 348 (Kane Williamson 93, Glenn Phillips 58, Brydon Carse 4/64)

With Brook and Stokes set to resume tomorrow, England will be confident of surpassing New Zealand’s total early on Day 3 and looking to build a significant lead. The Kiwis, on the other hand, will be hoping for quick breakthroughs to stem the tide.