Harry Brook and Ollie Pope showed "bravery" on a "snake pit" of a wicket

On a pitch he called a "snake pit" at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Ben Stokes praised England for their "bravery" against New Zealand. Gus Atkinson was magnificent with the ball and struck a record hat-trick, while Harry Brook ignited England to a series victory with an outstanding 123 knock on the first day of the second Test, marking his eighth Test century.

The fact that Brook and Ollie Pope, who had a partnership of 174 with the 25-year-old, played on the first day in challenging circumstances thrilled England captain Stokes. "We’ve been unbelievable with the ball, but I think, if I’m being honest, the way Harry Brook and Ollie Pope played on day one set this game up for us." Stokes added that Brook "made it so hard" for the New Zealand bowlers with his remarkable consistency.