After a bizarre yet historic 99 and a golden duck in Headingley Test, England's white-ball captain Harry Brook is preparing for the second Test of the series at Edgbaston, Birmingham. While England won the opening Test, chasing down a mammoth target of 371, their bowling came under the scanner. After naming an unchanged XI, Brook opened about the threat posed by Rishabh Pant after he smased record-breaking two centuries in previous Test. He feels Pant is one of the best batters in the world.
“He is an awesome player. I enjoyed watching him bat. He’s an eye-catcher; everyone turns on the television when he bats. In my opinion, he is one of the best batters in the world,” Brook told The Hindu.
Brook on skipping IPL to focus on national duty
Pant was Delhi Capitals (DC) captain when Brook pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He pulled out of the tournament again when DC roped him in the mega auction which led to a ban until the next mega auction. The young England batter said that it was a difficult decision for him to skip IPL and hopes to play in the future.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision. The IPL is an amazing tournament. It’s tough cricket, with the best players in the world. The crowds and atmosphere are amazing. It is the best franchise tournament in the world. I would love to play the IPL in the future, but for the time being, the focus is on England duties,” Brook said.
Brook on Edgbaston pitch
Ahead of the second Test, the odds are stacked in hosts' favour. India have never won a Test in Edgbaston, even when they had Jasprit Bumrah in the lineup last time. Brook talked about how the pitch will behave and help the spinners as the Test progresses.
"Historically, the Edgbaston pitch can be flatter. There is probably more in it for spinners. Otherwise, it is generally a typical English pitch. If there is any spin - and I’m completely guessing here - it will probably be late on days three, four and five,” the 26-year-old said.