MANCHESTER– As the gripping five-match Test series between England and India heads into its decisive phase, England batter Harry Brook has warned against underestimating the opposition despite England’s 2-1 lead heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which begins Wednesday.
With India fighting to stay alive in the series—and the Manchester Test potentially threatened by rain—Brook emphasized the need for focus and unity as emotions run high.
“We’re in a strong position and happy with how things have gone so far,” Brook said during a pre-match press conference. “The matches have been intense and entertaining. But we know India is a strong side, and we’re expecting another big challenge at Old Trafford, depending on how the pitch plays. Hopefully, we can go out there and beat them again.”
Brook pushed back on the idea that India is on the ropes following England’s dramatic win at Lord’s, noting the visitors’ ability to rebound. “I wouldn’t say that. India is a team that can bounce back at any stage. We saw that after we beat them at Headingley—they came back strong at Edgbaston. We’ve just got to focus on our game and hope it works out again.”
The Lord’s Test raised the emotional temperature of the series, featuring heated verbal exchanges between players. Brook recalled the moment the England squad decided to respond. “They were going at Creeps [Zak Crawley] and Ducky [Ben Duckett], so we had a little team chat and said, ‘Let’s stick together and go back at them.’ It felt like 11 versus 2 when we were fielding. It was exhausting, but it actually made fielding more fun.”
Asked if the sledging added to the spectacle, Brook agreed. “I’ve had loads of compliments—people said it was awesome to watch. We try to play in the spirit of the game as much as possible, but that night, we reassessed and felt it was the right time to push back.”
He believes the verbal battles may have helped shift momentum. “I think it did. It put pressure on them. They were chasing a low target on a tough pitch, and that tension might have helped us. In the end, they collapsed, and we came out on top.”
England will be without off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who’s been ruled out with a finger injury. Brook praised his teammate’s grit. “He bowled incredibly well. We’ll definitely miss him. Coming back on the field with a broken finger to take the last wicket—that was a real show of character.”
Liam Dawson, who replaces Bashir, brings valuable experience and versatility, Brook said. “He’s a left-armer who can exploit rough patches outside the right-hander’s off-stump, and he’s also a solid batter. He nearly scored his 21st first-class century recently. He’s competitive, experienced, and always gives it his all. It’s great to have him in the squad.”
Calling Dawson a “wily old fox,” Brook added, “He’s played everywhere, against everyone. There’s no reason he can’t succeed in red-ball cricket again.”
Reflecting on the series overall, Brook acknowledged its place in recent cricket history, even drawing comparisons to the iconic 2005 Ashes. “Every match has gone into the final hour—that’s rare. People have told me it’s been an incredible series. The Lord’s Test, in particular, was one of the best they’ve ever seen.”
He said the tension between teams has added to the drama. “That kind of intensity creates compelling cricket. Like I said, it was 11 versus 2 out there—those are the moments that define us as a team.”
Brook also praised England’s adaptability. “We’ve won chasing big targets, and we’ve won by bowling them out. At Edgbaston, they set a massive total—probably afraid we’d chase a smaller one. That gave us confidence.”
“Chasing down that score at Headingley was unreal. And then seeing the patience and grit at Lord’s, especially from Stokesy, was something else. It was incredible to witness—and I’m sure it kept everyone watching on the edge of their seats.” (Source: IANS)
