Former England captain Michael Atherton delivered a sharp critique of young batter Harry Brook's approach on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, labelling him "so lucky" after a reckless shot against a bouncer. Brook, however, weathered the storm to finish the rain-affected day unbeaten on 78, helping England reach a strong position of 211 for 3.
Atherton's Scathing Analysis of Brook's Short-Ball Battle
On a day reduced by rain at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Harry Brook showcased both his immense talent and a frustrating lack of situational awareness, according to Michael Atherton. The Sky Sports pundit took particular issue with Brook's handling of Australia's short-pitched barrage post-lunch. Atherton stated Brook "lost the plot a bit" during a critical phase when Mitchell Starc was into his spell.
"When Australia went to the short-pitched ploy, I think it was the 31st over, so about seven overs and 40 minutes after lunch," Atherton explained. He argued that the match situation demanded more nous. With Starc likely having only two overs left in his spell and the field set defensively on the leg side, Atherton believed Brook should have simply seen out the threat. "At that point you can just say to yourself, 'let him blow himself out for two overs'. The main threat is then gone and you can tuck into the rest," he added.
Brook's High-Risk Innings and England's Strong Position
Despite the criticism, Harry Brook's knock of 78 not out was his highest score of the Ashes series thus far. He forged a crucial, unbroken 154-run partnership with former captain Joe Root, steering England to 211 for 3 after being put in to bat. This recovery came after the early loss of openers, putting the visitors in a commanding position on a good batting surface.
However, Brook's ultra-aggressive instincts have been a talking point throughout the series, with several dismissals attributed to a failure to curb his attacking flair. The pattern nearly repeated in Sydney when he recklessly pulled a bouncer from Mitchell Starc, only for the ball to land safely in no-man's land. This moment encapsulated the fine line Brook walked between brilliance and recklessness.
Context of the Series and Atherton's Final Verdict
Atherton conceded that, aside from the criticism of Brook's approach against the short ball, the partnership with Root was "excellent" and had placed England in a strong position. He emphasised that England were in control of the game at that point, with a 100-run partnership already built, a non-threatening rest of the Australian attack, and a good pitch.
"Everything is in your favour, so why then give a sniff of an opportunity? That was the area I would be critical of Brook today," Atherton concluded. This Test in Sydney is a dead rubber for the Ashes urn, which Australia retained after winning the first three Tests of the series within just 11 days of play. England managed to win the fourth Test in Melbourne in two days, preventing a whitewash.
The fifth Test continues at the SCG, with all eyes on whether Harry Brook can convert his start into a maiden Ashes century while potentially adopting a more measured approach as suggested by the former skipper.
