Harry Brook has lauded Brendon McCullum as the premier coach of his career, attributing much of his international success to the former New Zealander captain's leadership. Since debuting under McCullum in 2022, Brook has become a backbone of the England batting order, accumulating 3,130 runs across 35 matches. His remarkable average of 55.89 and a tally of 10 centuries proves how effectively he has flourished within the Bazball framework.
Even with England currently facing a 1-3 deficit in the Ashes series, Brook’s individual performances have remained a bright spot. He currently sits as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, trailing only Australia's Travis Head. Throughout the five Tests, he has contributed 310 runs while maintaining a brisk strike rate of 80.51, proving his ability to pressure world-class bowlers even in challenging series conditions.
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Playing under McCullum and Stokes has been a highlight of my career: Brook
This momentum carried into the opening day of the Sydney Test, where Brook finished play unbeaten on 78 from just 92 deliveries. Positioned well for another potential century, he noted that McCullum’s coaching philosophy—centered on total freedom and unwavering support—has been the catalyst for his growth. According to Brook, this environment has provided him the confidence to express his natural game at the highest level of the sport.
"I am enjoying playing under Baz and [Ben] Stokes and it has been a highlight of my career so far. Baz gives you so much confidence, he is the best coach I have ever had,” Brook said while speaking on Test Match Special.
Brook offered high praise for the playing surface at the Sydney Cricket Ground, describing the SCG pitch as the most favorable of the series to date. This assessment followed a dominant afternoon session where he and Joe Root dismantled the Australian attack with a 154-run fourth-wicket partnership. Their efforts helped England finish the opening day in a commanding position, reaching 211 for three after just 45 overs.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the match, Brook expressed optimism about England's chances of securing a victory to close out the series.
"It is the best pitch in this series, for sure. Australia do not have a spinner and probably thought it would do more than it did. It is generally a good wicket. It would be nice to win this and go home 3-2. We need to stick to our processes this week and working towards modes of dismissal. There is no reason we cannot win this,” Brook added.
England dominate Australia on Day 1 despite jittery start
Talking about Day 1's play of the fifth Ashes Test, England endured a shaky start in Sydney as both openers were dismissed within the first hour. Ben Duckett, after a brisk 27, was caught behind off Mitchell Starc, while Zak Crawley was trapped leg-before by Michael Neser shortly after. When Jacob Bethell fell for 10, the visitors were reeling at 57-3, threatening a repeat of the batting collapses that have plagued their series.
However, Joe Root and Brook combined to stage a magnificent recovery, completely shifting the momentum during the afternoon session. The pair forged an unbroken 154-run partnership, with both batters reaching fluent half-centuries. By the time rain and bad light forced an early end to play after 45 overs, the duo had steered England to a commanding 211/3.