Harry Brook Achieves Seventh Test Century And Becomes Second Fastest To Reach 2000 Runs

Harry Brook, an England cricketer, achieved his seventh Test century and became the second fastest to reach 2000 runs in Test cricket based on balls faced. This milestone was reached during the second day of the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

Brook's performance in New Zealand continued his impressive Test record. On November 29, at Hagley Oval, he helped England recover from a difficult situation with his unbeaten 132 off 163 balls. He narrowly missed breaking Ben Duckett's record for the fastest to 2000 runs by balls faced, achieving it in 2300 balls compared to Duckett's 2293.

In terms of balls faced, Brook is second only to Duckett. Tim Southee from New Zealand and Adam Gilchrist from Australia follow them on this list, according to ESPN Cricinfo data.

• 2293 balls - Ben Duckett (England)
• 2300 balls - Harry Brook (England)
• 2418 balls - Tim Southee (New Zealand)
• 2483 balls - Adam Gilchrist (Australia)

Apart from being quick with balls faced, Brook also ranks as the joint sixth fastest to reach 2000 Test runs in terms of innings played. He achieved this feat in just 36 innings. The legendary Sir Don Bradman holds the record for reaching this milestone in the fewest innings.

Other notable players who reached 2000 Test runs faster than Brook include Brian Lara, Mike Hussey, and Marnus Labuschagne. Here are some of the quickest players based on innings:

• 22 innings - Don Bradman (Australia)
• 32 innings - George Headley (West Indies)
• 33 innings - Herbert Sutcliffe (England) & Michael Hussey (Australia)
• 34 innings - Marnus Labuschagne (Australia)
• 35 innings - Brian Lara (West Indies) Doug Walters (Australia)
• 36 innings - Sir Vivian Richards (West Indies), Harry Brook (England), Arthur Morris (Australia), Everton Weekes (West Indies) & Frank Worrell (West Indies)

This latest achievement brings Brook's total to 2063 runs across 36 Test innings. His record includes seven centuries and nine fifties, with an impressive average of 60.67. Earlier this year, he scored a triple century against Pakistan in Multan.

The consistent performer has scored six hundreds during away tours—four in Pakistan and two in New Zealand. At just 25 years old, Brook has only played Test matches in these two countries so far.

This remarkable consistency highlights Brook's potential as a key player for England's future tours and matches.