Harry Brook joins Eoin Morgan as ENG captain enters history books with Christchurch blitz

Harry Brook slams fifty against New Zealand [Source: AFP]

England T20I captain Harry Brook was in sensational form during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on October 20. Coming in to bat after Jacob Bethell was dismissed for 24 off 12 balls, Brook joined Phil Salt with England struggling at 68 for 2. Showing great composure, Brook took control of the innings and delivered an explosive performance.

Brook smashed his fifth T20I fifty, achieving it in just 22 balls, making it the second fastest fifty by an England captain in T20Is. He reached the milestone during the 14th over, taking on New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner and completing his fifty with a single off the final ball of the over.

Notably, the record for the fastest T20I fifty by an England captain is still held by Eoin Morgan, who achieved it twice, first against New Zealand in 2019 and then against South Africa in 2020, both in just 21 balls. 

Fastest 50s for England Skipper in T20Is (by balls)

Brook, by reaching his fifty in 22 balls, now becomes the second fastest England captain to reach a T20I fifty.

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After his record-breaking fifty, Brook continued to score quickly but was eventually dismissed for 78 runs off 35 balls in the 18th over. His dismissal came when Kyle Jamieson caught him at deep mid-wicket, ending a brilliant 129-run partnership with Phil Salt. Salt also played a key innings, scoring 85 off 56 balls, helping England set a competitive total.

Earlier, England had a shaky start as Jos Buttler was dismissed for 4 runs in the second over. Despite this, thanks to Brook’s and Salt’s partnership, England posted a strong total of 236 for 4 in their 20 overs, putting pressure on New Zealand.

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