Harry Brook Reflects on Fortunate 171 at Christchurch Test
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New Delhi, Nov 30 (NationPress) England batter Harry Brook stated he felt pleased to capitalize on the luck he experienced while achieving a spectacular 171 in the first Test against New Zealand at Christchurch on Saturday.
Brook was let off the hook on five occasions during his innings, marking 171—the highest score recorded by an overseas batter in a Test at Hagley Oval. This effort helped England amass 499 runs, establishing a first-innings lead of 151 runs.
“I had a lot of luck, didn’t I? Jesus. I had plenty of jam on my toast in the morning – it was a bit jammy – but I was content to make the most of it. That first drop (from Phillips when Brook was on 18), I’m not sure many people are catching that, to be honest.”
“I hit that very hard. I do throw my hands at it quite hard sometimes, and it is going to be a good catch at gully there, especially considering the viewing. I just go out there and watch the ball and try to hit it really,” Brook remarked at the end of the day's play.
When asked about his affinity for delivering impressive performances against New Zealand in Tests, Brook commented, “The pitches have been fairly good with a bit of pace and bounce, and if you get it past the infield most of the time it’s four. I’ve tried to utilize the pace, ride the bounce … and had quite a bit of luck this week.”
England finds itself in a strong position to win the match, thanks to Chris Woakes claiming two critical wickets in two consecutive balls – of Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell - just before stumps. “What we saw from Woakesy at the back end was unbelievable. With that ball, on that pitch, to get two big wickets back-to-back was a dagger to their heart.”
“Williamson always appears so secure while batting; he’s such a high-class performer. He always seems impossible to dismiss, so to see the back of him gives everyone a lot of energy, and then to get Blundell with the next ball fired everybody up.”
“We’re in an amazing position to go and win this game. Woakesy is always niggling away at the top of off stump and trying to hunt your front pad. With the swing he gets and the skills he possesses, he’s incredibly tough to face,” Brook concluded.
