Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
England were blown away early in the first ODI against New Zealand. Four players in the Ashes squad were dismissed cheaply with Zakary Foulkes enjoying a dream start to his ODI career.
Jamie Smith was bowled first ball by the ever-consistent Matt Henry. The inward movement immediately raised questions as to whether this England lineup can hold their own against the moving ball. However, Foulkes had Ben Duckett nicking behind before ripping through the defenses of Joe Root and Jacob Bethell in remarkable fashion. It was truly an exhibition in new-ball bowling.
Jos Buttler and Sam Curran didn’t last long either as the visitors fell to 56/6. However, Harry Brook took off. His love affair with New Zealand continued, taking Foulkes and Henry on as if they were reserve grade bowlers. His pickup shots over midwicket and square leg a sight to behold in Mount Maunganui.
Brook finished with 11 sixes, with nine coming all over the legside. He also struck nine fours, with four coming on the offside as well. It was a fabulous performance when you consider the conditions, the trouble England were in, and how he gave them a respectable score.
Harry Brook 135 (101) leaves fans in awe during 1st NZ vs ENG ODI in Mount Maunganui
England were bowled out for 223 in 35.2 overs. Harry Brook, with his 135, contributed 60.53% of the total – an England record. He took them from 143/8 and 166/9 to a 200+ score.
England needed a good start with the ball, and that is what transpired as Brydon Carse and Luke Wood reduced New Zealand to 24/3 in the fifth over. The game was still on when Carse picked up his third wicket by dismissing Tom Latham to leave the Black Caps tottering at 66/4.
However, Harry Brook’s team needed another potent wicket-taker as New Zealand took control. Daryl Mitchell (78* off 91) balls showed his worth again in ODIs. Michael Bracewell (51 off 51 balls) and Mitchell Santner (27 off 25 balls) also played vital knocks. However, the day will mostly be remembered by Harry Brook’s outstanding 135.
“Exceptional hundred from Brook. Treated the dangerous duo of Henry and Foulkes as though he was playing them in his backyard. That too with the ball moving around and wickets falling like nine pins,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Harry Brook in 2-3 years time will be an all time legend of the game,” wrote another. Here are some of the reactions to an outstanding innings.
New Zealand prevailed by four wickets with a hefty 80 balls to spare. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
