Harry Brook and Pope Lead England's Fightback in First Test Against New Zealand

England recover from a precarious position on day two through Brook's unbeaten century and Pope's composed 77 in Christchurch.

Harry Brook scored a commanding 132 not out, achieving his seventh Test century and becoming the second-fastest Englishman to reach 2,000 Test runs in 36 innings.
Ollie Pope, batting at No. 6 and keeping wicket due to team injuries, contributed a crucial 77 in a 151-run partnership with Brook, stabilizing England after early struggles.
New Zealand's fielding woes, including six dropped catches, allowed England to capitalize and end the day at 319 for 5, trailing New Zealand's first-innings 348 by just 29 runs.
England's top order faltered, with Zak Crawley and Joe Root dismissed for ducks and debutant Jacob Bethell managing only 10 at No. 3 in challenging conditions.
New Zealand debutant Nathan Smith impressed with two key wickets, including Root's dismissal, but missed opportunities in the field overshadowed their bowling efforts.