Former England captain Michael Vaughan has singled out Harry Brook for his struggles against spin during the T20I series against India, ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series. Vaughan believes Brook’s over-aggressive approach borders on disrespecting spin bowling, leading to his repeated dismissals.
Brook, a talented batter from Yorkshire, was dismissed by spinners in all five T20I innings, including twice by Varun Chakravarthy. He managed just 91 runs at an average of 18.20, with a highest score of 51, though he maintained an impressive strike rate of 146.77.
Vaughan: “Brook Must Learn to Respect Spin”
In his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan emphasized that England must improve against spin, with Brook being a key player who needs to address this weakness.
“They seemed to have a clear strategy to attack the first ball of the over. You see that in modern white-ball cricket, but that is actually what India wants. They just have to play spin better. They have a problem against it, as we saw at the World Cups in 2023 and 2024.”
“Harry Brook is definitely part of that problem. He has the game and the gift to overcome anything, but I just think he is too aggressive against spin. He almost disrespects it, thinking he can just whack it out of the ground.”
Vaughan suggested that Brook should take inspiration from Joe Root, who plays spin with a balanced and calculated approach.
“I’d love him to watch Joe Root, who is a master at going back, hitting into the leg side, nabbing twos, and getting off strike. Sweeps and reverse sweeps help maneuver the field and create gaps. Don’t just think about hitting boundaries all the time. If Brook blends his aggressive style with a bit of Root’s approach, he will be much better for it.”
Brook to Face More Spin in ODI Series
With Varun Chakravarthy retained in India’s ODI squad, Brook is likely to face more challenges from the mystery spinner. Chakravarthy, who took 14 wickets in five T20Is, caused significant trouble for England’s batters and will be looking to exploit Brook’s vulnerability once again.
Vaughan: Root Holds the Key to England’s Champions Trophy Hopes
Vaughan also stressed that Joe Root will be crucial to England’s Champions Trophy campaign. He believes England still needs a player who can anchor the innings, especially in the 50-over format.
“When England were at their best, smashing 350 in ODIs regularly, we forget how good Root was. And when they won the T20 World Cup, it was Ben Stokes playing pragmatic cricket to get them over the line.”
“There is a strong case for Root in the T20 World Cup, but before that, I don’t think England has a chance in the Champions Trophy without him playing well. The game hasn’t changed so much that you don’t need some glue, and Root will need to remind England’s big-hitters that 50 overs is a long time.”
With the ODI series set to begin on February 6, all eyes will be on Brook and England’s ability to counter spin as they gear up for the Champions Trophy.