Brook departs for 171 as England take 111-run lead in Christchurch

Brook departs for 171 as England take 111-run lead in Christchurch

Harry Brook of England was finally dismissed for 171 runs on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. However, the visiting team reached lunch at 459 for eight, establishing a first-innings lead of 111 runs. Brook and Ben Stokes formed a formidable partnership, adding 159 runs for the sixth wicket before Brook's lengthy innings was concluded by Matt Henry, allowing England to surpass New Zealand's total of 348 runs.

At lunch, England's captain Stokes remained at the crease with an unbeaten score of 78, set to continue in the second session alongside tailender Brydon Carse, who was not out on five. Brook, who resumed his innings on 132 with England at 319-5, benefited for the fifth time from New Zealand's struggles in the field, as Glenn Phillips dropped a catch at gully when Brook was on 147.

Despite the introduction of the new ball by New Zealand, Brook played with confidence, striking his 13th four through the covers to surpass the 150-run mark, followed by a powerful six that landed on the grandstand roof. By the time he edged a delivery from Henry and was caught behind, Brook had accumulated 15 fours and three sixes in his 197-ball innings, raising his batting average in three Tests in New Zealand to 100. 

In the following over, Tim Southee dismissed Chris Woakes, who was caught in the slips. Nevertheless, Gus Atkinson entered the fray and inflicted further damage on the New Zealand bowlers, scoring 48 runs off 36 balls in a solid eighth-wicket partnership. Debutant all-rounder Nathan Smith, who took 3-141, eventually dismissed Atkinson when Phillips held a catch at long leg, but Stokes continued to capitalize on any loose deliveries from the New Zealand attack.