Sports - Cricket
Harry Brook admits Ashes shots need restraint
Harry Brook says England must better manage pressure moments after admitting his dismissals in the opening Ashes Tests were poor decisions.
England batter Harry Brook has acknowledged he needs to show greater restraint with the bat, conceding the shots that led to his dismissals in Perth and Brisbane were poor as England face a must-win third Ashes Test.
England named an almost unchanged XI for the third Test in Adelaide on Monday, with seamer Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson as the only alteration. Selectors otherwise retained faith in the batting group despite losses in the opening two matches, with Joe Root the only player to consistently contribute runs.
Brook arrived in Australia as one of England's most dangerous weapons but has managed 98 runs at an average of 24.5 across the first two Tests. While an early dismissal in Perth came via a glove down the leg side, his edges to wide deliveries at Perth Stadium and the Gabba have drawn scrutiny.
A key figure in England's aggressive Bazball era, Brook averages 55.05 from 32 Tests with 10 centuries. His strike-rate of 87.36 is the highest in Test history among players with at least 1000 runs. However, with England trailing the series 2-0, Brook admitted that approach may need refinement.
Speaking in Adelaide, the 26-year-old said he had not read situations well enough and needed to better judge when to absorb pressure rather than forcing scoring options.
He rejected suggestions Australian conditions were to blame, describing his dismissals as poor decisions, particularly an attempted drive to a short ball in Perth and an aggressive shot aimed for six in Brisbane.
Brook said he did not regret playing positively but accepted he would approach those moments differently if given another chance.
England captain Ben Stokes has urged his side to respond with greater resilience following the Brisbane defeat. Brook echoed that message, saying England must improve their decision-making in pressure situations by showing greater grit and game awareness as the series continues.
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