England’s hopes of completing a record-breaking chase were dashed on Monday morning as Harry Brook reflected on his dismissal that sparked a dramatic collapse on the final day of the Test at The Oval. After scoring a brilliant 111 runs from 95 balls, Brook was dismissed in the 74th over of the chase, triggering a collapse that saw England lose seven wickets for just 66 runs, falling short of India’s target by just six runs.
Brook, who had been in scintillating form on Sunday, was left regretting his decision to charge down the pitch and attempt a big shot off Akash Deep, which resulted in a catch to mid-off. Reflecting on the moment after the game, Brook admitted his mistake: “Hindsight is a beautiful thing, and obviously, I wish now that I didn’t play that shot and get out,” he said. “At the time, I was obviously very confident. If I’d have got a quick 30 off the next two overs, then the game is done.”
At that point, England was cruising along at 301 for 3, needing 374 to win. Both Brook and Joe Root were at the crease, with Brook’s aggressive batting putting the Indian bowlers under serious pressure. He seemed set to lead his team to one of their most remarkable chases in history.
“I had every faith in Rooty that he was going to be there at the end,” Brook added, referring to his batting partner, Joe Root. Despite his optimism, England’s collapse soon followed after Brook’s departure, with Root also dismissed for 105 late in the day, just before rain interrupted play.
Brook’s dismissal wasn’t the only twist in England’s chase. He had earlier been given a reprieve on 19 when he picked out Mohammed Siraj at long leg, only for the fielder to step on the boundary rope while trying to steady himself. Had Siraj caught the ball, the outcome might have been very different, according to Siraj himself: “Had we got Harry Brook out before lunch, things would have been different. There would have been no fifth day.”
Despite the dramatic turn of events, Brook’s performance was still one to be celebrated. His 111 included a stunning 39-ball fifty and pushed England within sight of victory. After his dismissal, though, the task grew more difficult, with England’s lower order struggling against India’s bowling attack, led by Siraj.
India’s bowlers, especially Siraj, held firm in the face of the late England charge. Brook was full of praise for the bowler: “I respect him a lot for what he’s done this series,” he said. “He’s bowled 85 mph-plus every ball and had a phenomenal series. He deserved every success there.”
Brook, whose 481 runs at an average of 53.44 made him one of the standout performers of the series, will now turn his attention to the next phase of his career. Nominated as England’s player of the series by India’s coach Gautam Gambhir, Brook expressed mixed emotions. “I could have won that game yesterday, which is devastating, but I’m just happy to contribute to as many games as I can,” he said.
Brook is set to lead the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred season this week, then turn to England’s series against South Africa and Ireland. With the Ashes and T20 World Cup later, he’s hopeful: “We’ve got plenty to look forward to if everyone stays fit.”
