The 5 biggest Test scores by England batters in New Zealand
Harry Brook stroked a masterful 171 in England’s first innings to help set up a convincing eight wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch.
He was composed and fluent as he worked the ball to all parts of the ground as he shared a 151-run stand with Ollie Pope for the fifth wicket and 159-run stand for the sixth skipper Ben Stokes.
But how does his knock compare with other England batting feats in New Zealand? Turns out that as good as Brook’s knock was it wasn’t even in the top five scores by an England batsman in New Zealand.
In fact, it wasn’t even Brook’s highest score against New Zealand, in New Zealand – his best was a knock of 186 made in Wellington in 2023.
Let’s take a quick look at the five best batting masterclasses from Tests gone by …
1. Wally Hammond – 336* (Auckland, 1933)
Wally Hammond’s undefeated knock of 336 is not only the highest score by an England player in New Zealand, it is also widely regarded as one of the greatest innings in cricket history. Played on a flat Eden Park wicket,
Hammond’s masterclass spanned nearly two days as he punished the Kiwi bowlers. His knock remains one of the most iconic examples of England’s batting dominance and one of the many examples of why he is regarded as one of the great batsmen of all time – alongside the likes of WG Grace, Donald Bradman, Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar.
2. Joe Root – 226 (Hamilton, 2019)
Joe Root’s double century in Hamilton was a captain’s knock in every sense. Overcoming early struggles in the series, Root anchored the innings with supreme concentration and timing.
His 226 came off 441 balls, showcasing his ability to grind and flourish simultaneously. The knock, which is Root’s fourth highest score of all time, comprised more than half of the England first innings score and it was enough to secure a draw for his team.
Read more: Who has hit the most Test centuries for Australia?
3. Keith Fletcher – 216 (Christchurch, 1974)
Keith Fletcher produced a commanding 216 in Christchurch, steering England to a massive total. His patient and methodical approach wore down the New Zealand bowlers, ensuring a dominant position for his team.
Fletcher’s knock remains a textbook example of building a big innings overseas. Such was the textbook nature of his innings it came as no surprise when Fletcher turned to coaching after retiring as a player – he had stints in charge of both Essex and England.
4. Graham Thorpe – 200* (Christchurch, 2002)
Graham Thorpe’s unbeaten double century in 2002 was a masterpiece of resilience and, like most Thorpe innings it was also memorable for its sheer elegance.
Coming in under pressure, Thorpe steadied the ship and played exquisite shots all around the wicket. His effort ensured England salvaged a draw in the match. Thorpe reached three figures in Test cricket on 16 occasions, but this was the only time he reached the 200 mark.
5. Geoffrey Legge – 196 (Wellington, 1930)
Geoffrey Legg’s 196 in Wellington was a forgotten gem. Displaying impeccable technique and determination, Legg dominated a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack to put England in a commanding position.
Batting at five his innings remains one of the best by an England batsman in Kiwi conditions. To put it into perspective the next highest score in a total of 540 was a distant 75. In all Legge played just five Tests where he ended with an average of 49.83. A pilot, Legge died in a plane accident during the Second World War.
Read next: Is Ravichandran Ashwin India’s most prolific Test wicket-taker?
