Harry Brook launched 9 sixes earlier than falling for 97 as England kicked off their tour of New Zealand with a usually assertive batting efficiency in Hamilton.
After two classes the vacationers had racked up 6-375, scoring at a punishing fee of seven.2 an over as their daring strategy to the longest format continued to supply loads of thrills and spills.
Captain Ben Stokes opted to not take the sphere, permitting Ollie Pope to steer the aspect as an alternative. There aren’t any harm doubts over the skipper, who was mentioned to be blissful together with his preparations and didn’t really feel the necessity to face the native assault.
Brook, who scored three centuries in as many Checks through the whitewash over Pakistan earlier than Christmas, was in electrical kind as he lashed a New Zealand XI to all components of Seddon Park on the primary of two days of warm-up motion.
Rookie leg-spinner Adi Ashok bore the brunt, pounded for 5 consecutive sixes in an over after Brook blocked the primary supply.
The primary of these maximums not solely cleared the boundary rope, it additionally soared straight over an ambulance, past a safety fence and on to the principle street out of the bottom.
Brook additionally confirmed his class in opposition to a confirmed worldwide performer, lacing a flat pull for six extra off Kyle Jamieson, the tall Black Caps seamer who is ready to function within the Check collection later this month.
The Yorkshireman’s innings resulted in becoming style after 71 balls, aiming an uppercut at Jarrod McKay and being caught on the ropes at deep third. A couple of extra inches on the shot and it will have been a 10th six and one other hundred.
Joe Root had earlier made a totally completed 77 whereas Dan Lawrence, who appears set to hold the drinks within the collection correct, thrashed a energetic 85.
Zak Crawley (17), Ben Duckett (32) and Pope (26) all did not kick on after getting begins.
