NZ vs ENG 2nd Test: Harry Brook Smashes 8th Century, Becomes Fourth Player to Cross 1000 Runs in 2024

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England batter Harry Brook smashed his eighth century and in the process crossed a big landmark during day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Friday (December 6).

Brook achieved the feat as he continued his love affair with New Zealand team and their conditions, scoring a century in second successive Test against the Kiwis at the Basin Resrve in Wellington on Friday (December 6).

With this latest knock, Brook joined compatriots Joe Root and Ben Duckett as well as India's Yashasvi Jaiswal to become the fourth player to reach 1000 Test runs in the calendar year 2024. Here is a look at the players with most runs this year:

Most runs in Tests in 2024

1. Joe Root (England) - 1364 runs in 28 innings
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) - 1280 runs in 24 innings
3. Harry Brook (England) - 1044 runs in 17 innings
4. Ben Duckett (England) - 1042 runs in 29 innings
5. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka) - 966 runs in 14 innings

Going by the above list, Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, who has had a fantastic year with five centuries, could also join the quartet in the 1000-club for most runs in this calendar year in Test Cricket.

His century was also the fourth this year. Brook is now only behind Root and Mendis in terms of hundreds scored in Tests this year. Root and Mendis have five centuries each, while Jaiswal has three tons this year.

During the Welington Test against New Zealand, Brook arrived at the crease with four England wickets down early and unleashed a counter-attack masterclass. He went on to score 123 in 115 balls, with 11 fours and five sixes.

The England batter, who made a triple earlier this year, scored his runs in Wellington at a strike rate of 106.95. In the previous Test, Brook had smashed a fine 171 at Christchurch last week.

Harry Brook Test Record

After 23 Tests, Brook has scored 2225 runs at an average of 61.80 and a strike rate of 88.53. He has scored eight centuries and nine fifties. His best score is 317. Notably, seven centuries have come away from home.

Away from home, Brook has made 1464 runs in 10 Tests and 16 innings at an average of 91.50 and a strike rate of 96.50, with seven centuries and three fifties. His best score is 317. At home, Brook has played 761 runs in 13 Tests and 21 innings at an average of 38.05, with a century and six fifties. His best score is 109.

Harry Brook Record in New Zealand

Brook's record in New Zealand is incredible, having made 623 runs in four matches at an average of 103.83, with three centuries and two fifties in six innings. His best score is 186.

Coming back to the match, England, who were put to bat first by Tom Latham, were reduced to 43/4. A counter-attacking century from Brook (123 in 115 balls and a fine half-century from Ollie Pope took England to 280/10 in 54.4 overs. Brook and Pope put up a 174 run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Nathan Smith (4/86) was the pick of the bowlers for Kiwis, while Will O'Rourke also took 3/49. Matt Henry also got two wickets. New Zealand in response were reduced to 86/5 at stums on day one. England is leading the three-match series 1-0.