As spectacular Hollywood blockbusters set the Christmas box office alight, the new A-lister in world cricket is dominating the charts in Test matches this festive season.
While Moana 2 and Wicked have rejuvenated Hollywood with huge opening weekends, it’s a superhero with an origin story deep in the heart of Yorkshire who has captivated cricket audiences and had them glued to their screens this festive season.
Moana might feature a demigod, but the England cricket team has a batter to worship all of their own.
Harry Brook reached his 8th Test match century – and second in successive innings – with an at times disbelief-suspending array of shots. Think of any of The Rock’s stunts from his billion-dollar action films and double them for the audacious shots from Brook’s innings. Three stunning sixes way over the head of mid-off, the equivalent of a death-defying leap from a burning skyscraper.
In film terms, Brook’s 191 minute run time is a marathon; in the context of this match, his spectacular century was a mere feature-length trailer, filled exclusively with the best stunts and wild pyrotechnics that only the Yorkshireman can provide.
To have scored 123 out of a total of 280 truly made him star of this picture, but he was ably assisted by best supporting actor Ollie Pope following his second successive half-century in this series.
But as with most leading men, this story was all about one man.
Brook, who had five lives in his century in the first Test, was chanceless here. Barring the odd swipe-and-miss, this was a player in his own cinematic universe, creating a genre of batting that leaves opponents flummoxed. This was his sixth innings against New Zealand away from home, with his record now reading three centuries and two fifties, with his sole failure after being run-out without facing a ball.
For every Moana, there must be the occasional Red One.
Brook’s numbers are reaching levels that are hard to ignore. His away record is only bettered by Bradman. But this is about more than just numbers. His aura is undeniable. Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen emptied bars when they batted; with Harry Brook at the crease, supporters wouldn’t even dare go to the toilet or grab more popcorn.
With every raise of the bat, every outrageous six, and every match-winning innings, the story of Harry Brook grows stronger and stronger. The lad from Burley has become the People’s Champion, on whom English hopes now rest.
What does this Hollywood script have in store for us next? What can we say except, you’re welcome.
