This was a helter-skelter day, the breathless cricket picking up from the previous time these sides met on this ground, New Zealand’s classic one-run victory at the beginning of last year.
Tom Latham became the 17th successive Test captain to win the toss and field here, only for Stokes to claim he would have batted. The visitors were faced with the nipping ball and skilful Kiwis, so responded in the only way they know: aggression.
It was the best and worst of Bazball. Crawley’s flailing was a desperate attempt to reverse an awful record against the Black Caps and Jacob Bethell fell into a short-ball trap. Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Stokes all offered edges. The tail subsided in a blur of four wickets in 16 balls.
In between Brook played his astonishing knock, supported by Pope, who again made a vital contribution batting at number six. They scored at more than a run-a-ball, vindicating an England ethos of attack being the best form of defence.
Only when New Zealand came to bat did normal Test cricket break out, albeit with the ball moving much less. Carse, 10 wickets in the first Test, is a gem unearthed by Stokes and Brendon McCullum and impressed once more.
First was an athletic swoop to hold Rachin Ravindra, then the one-two punch of Williamson and Mitchell.
England are on top and have the further advantage of bowling last a pitch already hinting at unevenness.
