Nottingham [UK], July 21: England’s Harry Brook showcased his extraordinary form in Test cricket, scoring a brilliant century against the West Indies in the second Test at Nottingham on Sunday. This marks his fifth Test century and his first on home soil.
Brook’s innings of 109 off 132 balls included 13 fours and came at a strike rate of 82.58. His consistent performances have earned him an impressive record in Test cricket. With 1,376 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 62.54 and a strike rate of 90.70, Brook now holds the second-highest batting average in Test history (minimum 20 innings), trailing only the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. Bradman, the Australian icon, amassed 6,996 runs in 52 Tests at an extraordinary average of 99.94, including 29 centuries and 13 fifties.
In the ongoing second Test, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first. England’s batting lineup displayed remarkable form, led by Ollie Pope’s sixth Test century (121 runs off 167 balls) and key half-centuries from Ben Duckett (71 off 59 balls) and captain Ben Stokes (69 off 104 balls). England scored 416 in their first innings, with West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph taking 3/98.
West Indies, in their reply, mounted a strong counter-attack after an early collapse. Kavem Hodge played a splendid knock of 120, while Alick Athanaze contributed 82. Wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva’s unbeaten 82 and a vital 71-run 10th-wicket partnership with Shamar Joseph helped West Indies post 457, gaining a 41-run lead. Chris Woakes shone for England with figures of 4/84.
In the second innings, England retaliated strongly. Fifties from Duckett (76) and Ollie Pope (51), along with centuries from Joe Root (122) and Harry Brook (109), enabled England to post 425, setting a daunting 385-run target for West Indies. Jayden Seales starred for the visitors with 4/97.
As the second Test progresses, England remains in control, while Harry Brook’s milestone innings has once again underscored his standing as one of modern cricket’s brightest talents.
TNL News Network
