As long as my head is still and I’m not moving, I can always get the release I need: Harry Brook

Harry Brook. (Photo Source: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

England batter Harry Brook has reflected on his half-century in the ongoing fifth Ashes Test at The Oval in London. Being asked to bat first, England scored 283 runs in their first innings on Day 1 of the final Test, and Brook played a crucial role in getting his side to the total.

Brook claimed that his performance has significantly improved, particularly in terms of reading the lines and lengths of the bowlers. Notably, Brook struck 85 runs off 91 deliveries before being dismissed by paceman Mitchell Starc. His knock was studded with 11 boundaries and two maximums.

“I just felt like with the wind out there especially, it was a pretty small hit, plus Starc’s pace as well. I felt like it was pretty pointless trying to hit it down there. Then the other one, I just picked up the length pretty quick and fancied it,” Brook told Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old continued by saying that he wasn’t just trying to get by on the pitch since that would be ‘useless’ to him. 

“In the last couple of years, I think I’ve got a lot better at that. As long as my head is still and I’m not moving, I can always get the release I need. I think I’ve always had fairly fast hands – I think it makes a difference when I’m looking to score. I think I’ve said a couple of times, if I’m looking to survive then I’m pretty useless,” he added. 

Pat Cummins and Co. seek to win Ashes 2023 

Speaking of the game, Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The hosts started the final session on Day 1 at 250/7 and were bundled out for 283 runs. 

The best bowler for Australia was Mitchell Starc, who finished with figures of 4/82. Meanwhile, Todd Murphy and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each. Australia were 61/1 at the end of the first day of play, with Usman Khawaja (26*) and Marnus Labuschagne (2*) at the crease.