T20 World Cup: Nepal give England a fright but Harry Brook’s side might be learning


Brook gave a hint at England locating their senses when he spoke to the media on Friday.

He recalled Liam Dawson – another crucial part of this win with his 2-21 aged 35 – in his first move as captain last year.

“You look at India’s side, and they’re one of the best sides to play T20 cricket at the minute, and they’ve got about five spinners,” said Brook. “If they’re doing that, why don’t we have a little bit of a crack at that as well?”

He later backtracked, appearing to be wary of the implications of appearing to imitate India, but would it be so bad if England were?

It was a diversion from previous messaging of always concentrating on themselves.

Brook would probably tell you it is those conversations – dealing with the media and finding the right words – that is the hardest part of captaincy.

If it was only about the what goes on a cut strip of 22 yards or the green grass around it, there would be no discussion over his future.

On the field, he has impressed as a young captain and here, not without frights, he came through his toughest test so far.

England have often looked leaderless in the field during their sorry recent run at white-ball tournaments – a spell in which they have given up their T20 and 50-over world titles and exited the Champions Trophy without winning – but at the crunch moment here there was little doubt who was in charge.

He may not have played under him, but Brook referred to the Eoin Morgan book of captaincy by repeatedly holding the ball at the top of a bowler’s mark, giving the heart-rate of his player time to settle.

He also led the conversation in the drinks break late in Nepal’s chase, after which they lost two quick wickets.

“He was very good at keeping level headed,” admitted Jacks.

“Jos [Buttler] spoke as well and those experienced guys are crucial when those pressure situations come around.”

Of course, the caveat remains that with one swing of the bat, one flash off an edge, the story would all have been different.

Nepal were hugely impressive, but are still 16th in the world rankings.

Tougher tests will come but England teams have crumbled in pressure moments while carrying far less baggage than this one.

There are just hints, that they may be learning.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    County Championship: Emilio Gay hits century for Durham at Middlesex

    Emilio Gay and David Bedingham rewrote the record books for the second week running, both hitting centuries, as Durham seized a healthy first-innings lead on day three against Middlesex at…

    PSL 2026 – ‘Took the wind out of our sails’ – Jason Gillespie proud but disappointed after Hyderabad Kingsmen lose final

    It might not have felt like it while Hyderabad Kingsmen were on their dizzying ride to the final, but it had to end sometime. “We just didn’t give our bowlers…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    After Seven Years, First U.S. Direct Flight Lands in Caracas

    After Seven Years, First U.S. Direct Flight Lands in Caracas

    Saskatchewan church evacuated after bear spray unleashed

    Saskatchewan church evacuated after bear spray unleashed

    The B-21 Raider Is Rewriting The Rules Of Stealth Flying

    The B-21 Raider Is Rewriting The Rules Of Stealth Flying

    Marten Falls First Nation and Bird Construction Form Majority Indigenous‑Owned Partnership, Piinahzii LP, to Collaborate on Community Infrastructure Projects

    Invincible Vs leaks hint at what characters are still to come

    Invincible Vs leaks hint at what characters are still to come

    Habs move on to 2nd round after Game 7 win against the Lightning

    Habs move on to 2nd round after Game 7 win against the Lightning