Harry Brook scored 97 runs off 71 balls in England’s warm-up match against New Zealand XI at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. He hot leg-spinner Adithya Ashoke for 5 sixes in an over.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 18:28 IST
Harry Brook flaunts new found strength with 5 sixes in warm-up match vs NZ XI. Courtesy AP
By India Today Web Desk: England batter Harry Brook reckoned that he has got stronger of late and has been hitting the ball a lot harder. Brook was on top of his game in England’s warm-up match against New Zealand XI at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
The right-hander batted at No.5 and scored 97 runs off 71 balls with the help of seven fours and nine sixes. On the back of his knock, England scored 465 in 69.2 overs.
In the 30th over, Brook laid into leg-spinner Adithya Ashok and hit him for five sixes in a single over. Ashoke went for 82 runs in nine overs and bowled at an economy rate of 9.11.
“I think I’ve got a little bit stronger so I feel like I’m hitting the ball a bit harder. Whether that’s just because I’ve been given the freedom to go out and play in a positive way and take the match on or I’ve just got stronger. I just feel like I’m hitting the ball a lot harder than I was before,” Brook was quoted as saying to ESPNcricket.
Last year, England changed the brand of Test cricket they play and took an attacking approach. Under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, the Three Lions hardly allowed the opposition to settle down. Brook said that England’s approach wouldn’t change in 2023.
“We’re looking to put pressure on the bowlers, trying to hit them off the spot and keep the pressure on throughout,” Brook said.
The opening Test between England and New Zealand is scheduled to get underway on February 16 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Brook was also happy with the way 2022 went for him. Not only did he score heaps of runs, but he also won the T20 World Cup with Jos Buttler’s England.
“Last year was probably the best year of my life, lifestyle and cricket-wise, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Standing here saying I’m a World cup winner is unbelievable and nobody can ever take that away from me. It was a phenomenal year,” he stated.
— ENDS —
