On Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies in Nottingham, England‘s young batting prodigy, Harry Brook, scored his fifth Test century, marking his first at home. This century was particularly notable as it came after a string of five half-centuries and a highest score of 85, showcasing his ability to convert starts into substantial knocks.
Initially cautious, Brook found his rhythm with a boundary against Alzaari Joseph. His innings became more fluent as he rotated the strike effectively with Joe Root and played a crucial role in stabilizing England’s innings.
Spectacular century by Harry Brook on Day 4
Brook’s performance on Day 4 demonstrated his maturity and composure. After ending Day 3 at 71* (78), he resumed with confidence, scoring a boundary off the first over of the day bowled by Jayden Seales. Brook’s transition to the 90s was smooth, and he reached his century with consistent stroke play and a calm demeanour. His ability to adapt and keep the scoreboard ticking was evident, as he smoothly anchored the innings. Brook eventually reached the milestone in just 118 balls with a single off Joseph in the 62nd over. His performance was a crucial factor in England’s strong position in the match.
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Joe Root’s support to Harry Brook
At the other end, Root played a pivotal role, reaching his 63rd Test half-century in 91 balls. Root’s innings significantly complemented Brook’s efforts, as the two batters forged a formidable fourth-wicket partnership that amassed 189 runs. Their combined performance propelled England’s total past 300 runs, setting a strong foundation for the team. The partnership was instrumental in maintaining England’s dominance in the match. However, the West Indies eventually broke through. Seales ended Brook’s innings, with the young batter being caught behind by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva for a well-made 109. This breakthrough was crucial for the West Indies as they sought to turn the game around.
Here’s how fans reacted:
. @Harry_Brook_88 is a special talent. Brilliant innings #ENGvsWI
— Adam Salkie (@AdamSalkie) July 21, 2024
Hundred for Harry brook⭐
What a great talent he is… unbelievable skill & aggressive intent 💪 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/XP2QBU1455
— Anurag Pandey🇮🇳 (@AnuragP52225) July 21, 2024
First home test century for Harry Brook off just 118 balls 🔥🔥
5th test century of his test career
Future Star in making ❤️#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/z672ZmpzPL
— Uzma Naz (@UzmaNaa61412457) July 21, 2024
Harry Brook 100no Joe Root 50no partnership 150, lead 250, all in the same over! #CricketStats #ENGvWI 💯 🏏 Root has equal 3rd highest no of 50s https://t.co/UHQOcO7DC7
— Katy Jon Went (@katyjon) July 21, 2024
Harry Brook surely has to be up there amongst batters with the best eye & the quickest hands in modern-day cricket #EngvWI
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) July 21, 2024
Not to ignore Brook’s insane record, but still can’t quite believe that Alastair Cook had *15* Test tons at the same age
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) July 21, 2024
We are in for a special few years watching Harry Brook bat ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 21, 2024
💯 for @Harry_Brook_88 🙌
A brilliant innings from the Yorkshireman 👏#YorkshireFamily pic.twitter.com/Xt222KiSbb
— Yorkshire Vikings (@YorkshireCCC) July 21, 2024
Harry Brook doing a lot for the kids (me) who kept asking why players don’t just score more quickly in test cricket
— Dan (@danbooth21) July 21, 2024
Harry Brook and Rishabh Pant are only two batters with 50+ average and 90+ strike-rate in Tests since 2022.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) July 21, 2024
Maiden Test century in England for Harry Brook 🌟#cricket #ENGvWI #Tests #HarryBrook #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0kbxto9mav
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 21, 2024