England batter Harry Brook showcased a more measured approach with the bat as the team ended a rain-hit Day 1 of the fifth Test at 211/3 from 45 overs, remaining unbeaten on 78 alongside Joe Root on 72. Speaking after the day’s play, Brook acknowledged that his batting has been under constant scrutiny, particularly against disciplined Australian bowling attacks during the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series.
“I’ve just got to be a little bit more patient and take my ones here and there. Thankfully, I did that today,” Brook said. “That’s something I’ve got to think about going forward and put into my game.”
A Shift From Flair to Absorption
The ICC No.2-ranked Test batter, traditionally known for his boundary-heavy style, displayed a more pragmatic approach, absorbing pressure rather than playing flamboyant shots. Walking in at 57/3, Brook carefully kept the scoreboard ticking, compiling 78 off 92 balls*, while building a 154-run unbeaten partnership with Root.
“I look to try and be a little more patient at times… absorb the pressure. Whether that’s taking my ones instead of trying to hit boundaries, then so be it,” he explained.
Brook’s disciplined innings came against familiar Australian tactics. Bowlers Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, and Scott Boland probed his technique with tight lines and sustained pressure, a strategy that has challenged him throughout his career.
“It’s obviously a ploy used against me my whole career. I thought I played it alright. I could have played it better at times… I’m happy that I just got through it and take that momentum forward to tomorrow,” Brook added.
Frustration Amid Learning Curve
Despite flashes of brilliance, Brook admitted frustration at not converting starts into the big, defining scores that have marked his rise. Across the series, he has scored 310 runs with two half-centuries, yet has struggled to turn those innings into centuries.
“It’s been a frustrating series. I’ve been in double figures every innings bar one… It just hasn’t happened this series. There’s been periods where I’ve played them slightly differently,” he said.
Brook also highlighted the challenging Australian conditions, noting that subtle differences in pitch behavior and execution are crucial learning points for any touring batsman.
“It’s all part of the learning curve. It’s not an easy place to come on tour… The surfaces do change every game and throughout the game,” he said.
Series Context
The ongoing five-Test series has seen both teams exchange victories:
• First Test – Perth Stadium (Nov 21-22): Australia won by 8 wickets
• Second Test – Gabba (Dec 4-7): Australia won by 8 wickets
• Third Test – Adelaide Oval (Dec 17-21): Australia won by 82 runs
• Fourth Test – MCG (Dec 26-30): England won by 4 wickets
• Fifth Test – SCG (Jan 4-8): England aiming to finish on a high
With England looking to close the series on a strong note, Brook’s disciplined approach and partnership with Root could be pivotal in setting the tone for the final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground.