Brook, Carse shine as England win convincingly in Christchurch
Big batting, notably Harry Brook's 171, and a fine display of seam-bowling from Brydon Carse, who was named Player of the Match for his 10-wicket haul, laid the platform for a comfortable victory inside four days.
England romped to an eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first test in Christchurch on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and bring the Black Caps thudding back to earth after their recent triumph in India.
Big batting, notably Harry Brook's 171, and a fine display of seam-bowling from Brydon Carse, who was named Player of the Match for his 10-wicket haul, laid the platform for a comfortable victory inside four days.
Carse took six for 42 as the tourists dismissed New Zealand for 254 despite a defiant 84 from Daryl Mitchell on Sunday, and a team that prides itself on its ability to score quickly was never going to be too bothered by a victory target of 104 runs.
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Jacob Bethell, who was making his test debut, scored the winning run to reach his a maiden half century while Joe Root, who was playing his 150th, chipped in with an unbeaten 23 to help get England safely across the line before tea.
Brook, whose monster innings turned the match decisively in England's favour, was left padded up in the grandstand, his services not required.
"Yeah, very good," said England captain Ben Stokes. "Very happy with the way we fought, particularly when we were put under pressure on day two.
"I thought our bowlers were relentless the whole time. So yeah, a very good start."
There was one concerning moment for England when Stokes pulled up while bowling and handed the ball over to Atkinson to complete the over, although he later confirmed that he would be ready to go for the second test in Wellington on Friday.
New Zealand were right in the fight for two days of the match but captain Tom Latham conceded that a flurry of dropped catches had not helped their cause.
"No one means to drop catches," he said. "But I guess when you give opportunities to some quality players ... sometimes that can hurt you.
"We weren't quite at our best in this game, but we know how fickle this game can be, and we'll head to Wellington and stay reasonably level."
