WATCH: Joe Root plays the perfect scoop against New Zealand Captain Tim Southee

The English team has maintained its dominance throughout the New Zealand tour by scoring well in the first innings once more. Reeling at 21/3, Harry Brook and Joe Root’s partnership first stopped New Zealand’s momentum on day 1 before going on to surpass the 300-run mark. Ironically, Root and Brook both scored impressive centuries and entered the record books. With his 176-ball 186, Brook broke Vinod Kambli’s 30-year record for the most runs scored in nine innings in Test cricket, surpassing the 800-run threshold after just nine innings. 

As England strengthened its threshold on the second Test against New Zealand at Basin Reserve, Joe Root scored yet another century in Test cricket. Root, who scored his 29th Test century on the first day of the match, matched Sir Donald Bradman’s total of hundreds. In the first innings, Root had 153 runs without being out. He shared a hundred with Don Bradman, who also ended his career at this point, putting them in a similar position. 

Joe Root’s incredible shot to Tim Southee

Joe Root, who was in strike position, scooped the ball over third man for a six to record the first boundary of the day. Tim Southee was far from Root’s crease when he took this stunning shot. Everyone was reminded by this shot of his ability to play with an aggressive approach and to step up for the team and defend when necessary. 

Anyone who was cross at Joe Root for getting out to this shot in the first Test isn’t legally allowed to enjoy this. pic.twitter.com/mc4ONxynUu

— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) February 24, 2023

The majority of New Zealand’s gains on day two came from defeating Brook, who added just two runs to his overnight total of 184. The home attack continued to take a beating in the face of more attack minded batting, but Matt Henry was the one to ultimately defeat Brook on his way to figures of 4 for 100.

Stokes made the decision to advance the game since there had already been time wasted from the second Test and more delays were expected. Leach then took the stage as England chipped away at a disheartened home lineup to leave them 103 for 7 just after the tea break. He was instantly rewarded with a double-wicket burst from Anderson in the section before lunch. Rain struck again before close of play which was just the thing New Zealand wanted.