Brook resumed day three with 132 not out, making 39 off 34 deliveries with his captain Ben Stokes. His sixth-wicket position led England to surpass New Zealand’s first innings score of 348.
That partnership would eventually be broken at 159, when Brook gave Tom Blundell a lead against Matt Henry. The relief on the field was palpable, and not just because Brook had begun to free his arms, which included putting Tim Southee on the Pavilion roof for his third six.
New Zealand had bowled Brook four times on Friday (on 18, 41, 70 and 106) before another on 147 on Saturday morning. Brook looked up at the sky, like he did when he reached three figures, although this time he was laughing to himself.
The last one was the easiest of all; straight to Glenn Phillips at Gully, who was also guilty of the costliest error on 18. The Yorkshire batsman conceded, but not all of his chances were easy, not least because of the force with which he hits the ball, as evidenced by most of its 18 limits. .
“Especially that first drop, to be honest, I’m not sure a lot of people are noticing it,” Brook said. “I hit him very hard.
“Sometimes I throw my hands pretty hard and it will be a good catch if you catch one in the gully, especially by sight. Just go out and watch the ball and really try to hit it.”
Phillips had redeemed himself somewhat on Friday with an impressive diving effort to his right to remove Ollie Pope for 77. Brook, who had been given three lives at the time, walked over and apologized to Pope as he walked away.
However, it was still a substantial innings from Brook, his second of the winter after the blockbuster 317 against Pakistan in early October. He was in the middle of Hagley Oval for five hours and 23 minutes, having arrived at the start of the second session of the second day with his team reeling at 45 for 3.
A lofted cover from Southee, from his 186th ball, took him beyond 150 for the fourth time. His career average is now just over 60, average against New Zealand is 100.00.
“I just think I went out and tried to play ball, actually,” Brook said, unable to explain why he found the enemy hosts so docile.
“The shots have been pretty good with a little bit of rhythm and bounce, and if you get past the box most of the time it’s four. I’ve tried to use rhythm, hold off the bounce and I’ve had pretty good luck there this week.”
Vithushan Ehantharajah is associate editor of ESPNcricinfo
