Brook led the charge with a monumental 169-ball 184 in an unbroken, 294-run partnership with Joe Root (101*) that took England from 21-3 to 315-3 at the close of play, and firmly in the driver’s seat. They managed it all in 65 over, with rain interrupting, and eventually suspending play at the Basin Reserve.

Among Brook’s several boundary hits – 24 fours and fives sixes in all – one stroke that stood out was the plucky six over mid-wicket off Wagner in the 53rd over of the innings. Brook made room, exposing all three stumps as he got into position and walloped an inswinging delivery over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. It highlighted the approach of the English batter, emboldened by ‘BazBall’, as he finished the day with a strike-rate of 108.88.

The onslaught brought him close to his maiden double ton in what has been a surreal start to his Test career so far. At the moment, he averages 100.87 from nine innings with four centuries and a strike-rate of 99.38. He could also be on course to be the fastest to 1,000 Test runs – he’s currently at 807 runs, with the record being 12 innings (Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes).

Watch the strike here:

Harry Brook at his very best 😍pic.twitter.com/ARomCjrqkG

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 24, 2023