England had a difficult start to the second Test, having lost four wickets for 43 runs. Opener Ben Duckett departed without opening his tally, while his opening partner Zak Crawley made only 17 runs. Youngster Jacob Bethell, who looked impressive in the first Test, made 16 while star batter Joe Root departed for three runs. Daryl Mitchell picked up a stunning catch at slips to send Root back to the pavilion.
Harry Brook and Ollie Pope stabilized England’s batting and that was the highlight of the day. They stitched a partnership of 174 runs that helped the visitors put a respectable total on board. Brook, who’s in brilliant form, didn’t plan to change his approach despite the team being in trouble as he made 123 runs off 115 balls. His counter-attacking cricket put pressure on New Zealand and helped Pope to settle down.
Leading to the New Zealand series, the England vice-captain was in desperate need of runs to cement his spot in the playing XI. Despite a century against Sri Lanka earlier in the year, his form was a massive reason for concern, but against New Zealand, the keeper-batter proved his value. He scored important runs in Christchurch and in Wellington, he made 66 runs in the first innings. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes failed to get going as England posted 280 runs in the first innings.
England bowlers dominated in the second innings. Devon Conway made 11 runs before Gus Atkinson got the better of him. His opening partner Tom Latham made 15 runs. Star batter Kane Williamson looked in good touch before departing for 37 runs. England managed to pick quick wickets and that resulted in New Zealand being reduced to 79/5.
Also Check: Daryl Mitchell’s gravity-defying one-handed stunner sends Joe Root packing
At the end of the day’s play, the hosts were trailing by 194 runs and have a mountain to climb.
Here’s how ‘X’ reacted to the Day 1 of the Wellington Test:
Joe Root falls early again! 🔥
Daryl Mitchell takes a stunning catch at slip, leaving England at 26/3. #NZvENG #Cricket #JoeRoot #DarylMitchell #ENGvsNZ
pic.twitter.com/aGmQ6T53kR
— Mr. Shaz (@Wh_So_Serious) December 5, 2024
Century 💯💯💯
What a tallent young English batter #ENGvsNZ #AUSvIND #WTC2025 pic.twitter.com/dy68SDYBmK
— Gaurav Chand (@gaurav982001) December 6, 2024
Another day, another day 💯👏🏻
Harry Brooke scores his 8th century of his Test career . #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/mIc3CpcxZo
— Sristi ROY🇮🇳 (@Oppressor_Speak) December 6, 2024
I m perplexed with #HarryBrook at times.I mean he is avgng 60 Iin Test but seeing him bat taking all those risks in Test matches I dont feel like he should be avgng that high.His batting gives an impression of early to mid 40 Test avg.I think luck has been on his side #ENGvsNZ
— Cover Drive (@day6596) December 5, 2024
#HarryBrook is a real deal in batting . 7 away centuries already in 16 tests. Today walked out when team was43/4 and played a match winning century again.#ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/3mQzQ46Pgo
— Satvinder Meel (@s4sattu) December 6, 2024
Stumps on day one New Zealand 86-5.#ENGvsNZ @bbctms @SkyCricket @englandcricket
— matthew 1991🏴 (@matthewmcmahon6) December 6, 2024
15 wickets in a day. #engvsnz
— abhi changer (@abhichanger) December 6, 2024