England in New Zealand: Harry Brook century in vain as Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith fall cheaply
England were beaten by four wickets by New Zealand in the first one-day international, despite Harry Brook’s outrageous century threatening to rescue his side after a horrid top-order batting collapse.
The tourists lost Jamie Smith to the first ball of the match, were 5-3 at the end of the second over with Joe Root bowled for two and 33-5 in the ninth.
Their hopes, along with any idea of Root and co easing into form before the Ashes, appeared in tatters but captain Brook counter-attacked against superb New Zealand bowling in favourable, seaming conditions, hitting an audacious 135 from 101 balls to drag his side to 223 in Mount Maunganui.
No other batter in England’s top seven made double figures but Brook struck 11 sixes – seven of which came as he dominated a 10th-wicket stand of 57 with last man Luke Wood.
Although England were all out in 35.2 overs, Brook had given his side a chance and when Brydon Carse took three wickets in a fine new-ball spell the Black Caps were in real danger at 66-4.
Crucially, though, England dropped Michael Bracewell on two and Daryl Mitchell on 33. Bracewell went on to make 51 and Mitchell 78 not out as the hosts won with 13.2 overs to spare.
England can level the series in the second match in Hamilton on Wednesday (01:00 GMT) but this match will be best remembered for:
-
Brook’s continuing his form with an all-time great knock
-
A difficult start to the winter for England’s other Test batters – with some extenuating circumstances
-
Carse showing why he could be crucial for England in Australia
About The Author
