Harry Brook says leadership extends off the field as England prepare for Pakistan tri-series
England’s white-ball captain says he has learned from the past year and welcomes the pressure of leading the side into an ODI series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Harry Brook says he has learned to take responsibility beyond the field as England prepare to open an ODI tri-series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, according to a Press Association report published by theguardian.com. The England white-ball captain said he wanted to become a player his team and supporters could rely on in decisive moments.
Brook’s comments came as he approached the first anniversary of an altercation in Wellington before an ODI against New Zealand. He has previously acknowledged that the incident, in which a nightclub bouncer punched him, could have cost him the captaincy, the Press Association reported.
Brook on responsibility and match-winning performances
“I’ve learnt a lot as a captain, I’ve learnt a lot as a person,” Brook said. “Responsibilities and leadership aren’t just on the field, they’re more so off the field as well and actions speak louder than words.” He said he enjoyed the added pressure, while recognising that he would not score runs every time he batted.
Brook said he judged his own season by match-winning contributions rather than batting averages. The Press Association report put his ODI average at 51.3 as captain, compared with 25.2 before he took the role. His former Test captain Ben Stokes has said Brook’s Test average, reported as 53.08, should be as high as 65 or 70; Brook responded that 65 or 70 was “a massive average”.
England’s ODI tri-series squad and fixtures
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced on 1 October that Brook would lead a 16-player squad in Pakistan for the series against the hosts and Sri Lanka. Each side is scheduled to play the others twice, with the top two contesting a final on 31 October. Brook said that prospect would give England experience in matches where progression was at stake.
England selected leg-spinner Mason Crane ahead of Rehan Ahmed. Brook said Ahmed remained in contention and that Crane had performed well enough to earn an opportunity. The ECB listed Crane among the squad’s uncapped players; the Press Association report said his last England appearance was more than eight years ago.
Jos Buttler is absent through injury and Jofra Archer has been rested, according to the Press Association account. Brook said he and head coach Brendon McCullum believed the squad had enough cover for a replacement to step in even shortly before a match. England had won their previous three ODI series after losing seven of eight, the report said.
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Sources and context
- ‘Actions speak louder than words’: England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook relishing responsibilityThe Guardian (Press Association byline)
- England Men announce squad for ODI tri-series against Pakistan and Sri LankaEngland and Wales Cricket Board
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.