England’s new red-ball vice-captain, Harry Brook, has still not recovered from the 25-day five-Test series against India that concluded in August. He said, though he understands the hype around the winter
Ashes in Australia, he’s still looking forward to seeing if that can top the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
The latter was a rare Test series where each match went to the last day, and the series was undecided till the final session of the fifth one at the Oval. India won that eventually, leveling the rubber 2-2. Although England were in a position to beat India several times and fluffed it, their fans would forgive them in a second if they could win only the sixth ever Ashes in Australia since 1945.
“I don’t know what I’m stepping into,” Brook said at an event, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I know it’s a massive thing, but I’m still trying to get over that India series. That was awesome to be part of: to play 25 days out of 25 was mega. That was the most intense series I’ve ever been part of. If the Ashes tops that, I will be a very happy man.”
Brook replaced Ollie Pope in the role as Ben Stokes’ deputy, with England calling him a better leader overall. The 26-year-old added that he hasn’t seen things get awkward between him and Pope so far.
“I dropped him a couple of messages a couple of weeks ago, talking about golf mainly. I don’t think he’s too bothered. He’s just happy to still be in the squad,” Brook said.
He also doesn’t expect himself to captain much on the tour, while sharing a positive update on Ben Stokes’ injury.
“I see Stokesy playing all five Tests, if I’m being honest. I think he’ll power through, even if he has a little niggle,” he said.
Stokes is said to be working hard to be fit for the first Test, which begins in Perth on November 21, though whether he’d be able to bowl or not is uncertain.
Hopefully Cummins’ absence plays into our hands: Brook
On the Australian end, reports are rife about Pat Cummins, as big a charismatic superstar as Stokes and much more accomplished, missing at least the first Test with an injury. Brook hopes it works in his side’s favor.
“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years,” Brook said. “He bowls at high pace, with high skill. With him out of their side for the first game, from what we’ve seen, hopefully that plays into our hands… [But] we can’t take anybody lightly.”
