Williamson perplexed as Brook gets first wicket with "worst ball he bowled"

27 February 2023 , 11:21

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Kane Williamson was back to his best with an excellent 132 (Image: Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Kane Williamson was back to his best as he struck a brilliant 132 in the second Test between New Zealand and England.

However, after seeing off the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson on his way to three figures, it was Harry Brook who eventually got him out. Bowling gentle medium pace, Brook got the former New Zealand captain caught down the leg side with what Williamson described as the "worst ball he bowled".

Williamson also revealed that when Ben Stokes first introduced Brook into the attack, he had no idea what he was going to bowl. "No, I didn't," he admitted. "It's one of those things… that's cricket. It's frustrating, obviously.

"He didn't miss his length at all though, he was immaculate. I was just trying to focus and respect it – you don't want to get lazy as you get further through your innings.

"He was on point and that was maybe the worst ball he bowled. He's had a fantastic career to date, mainly with the bat, and he's obviously a special player."

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Harry Brook claimed his first England wicket when he dismissed Kane Williamson (MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)

England spinner Jack Leach, who picked up 5-157 after bowling 61.3 overs, revealed Brook had in fact claimed the dismissal "was all on purpose". Speaking at the close of play, Leach said: "He's really happy and we're all very happy for him, he just couldn't stop smiling.

"He said he did Kane with the bouncer first, so he wasn't quite forward to it. He reckons it was all on purpose.

"We just wanted to try something different. At times in cricket you think 'let's do something they might not be expecting'. That's what we gave them and it worked."

Joe Root recalled after the first Test in Mount Maunganui how a 14-year-old Brook once got him out in the nets at Yorkshire bowling "filthy seamers off the wrong foot" and "continually talks about it" now that the pair are England teammates.

Matthew Cooper