Brook Focused on Present as High-Stakes Ashes Tour Approaches
Harry Brook is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of what he admits will be the biggest challenge of his career — England’s upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.
Speaking ahead of his departure to New Zealand to captain England in six white-ball matches, the newly appointed Ashes vice-captain acknowledged the pressure and anticipation surrounding the series, particularly with Australia’s captain Pat Cummins in doubt for the opener.
“I bloody hope so,” Brook responded when asked whether he could help bring the Ashes urn home from Australia — something England haven’t managed since 2011. With Cummins struggling to recover from a back injury in time for the first Test on November 21, England see a potential window of opportunity.
“He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years,” Brook said at the PCA Awards on Thursday night. “He bowls at high pace, with high skill… With him out of their side for the first game, hopefully that plays into our hands. But we can’t take anybody lightly.”
Cummins’ absence would undoubtedly weaken Australia’s attack, though Brook acknowledged their bowling depth. “They’ve got a hell of a lot of good bowlers,” he said.
Despite his strong away record — seven centuries in 11 overseas Tests — Brook admits Australia presents a new frontier. “I don't know what I'm stepping into,” he said. “I know it's a massive thing, but I'm still trying to get over that India series. That was awesome to be part of — 25 days out of 25. That was the most intense series I've ever been part of. If the Ashes tops that, I’ll be a very happy man.”
Brook’s experience of Australian conditions is limited. His stint with Hobart Hurricanes was forgettable, and he managed just 56 runs across five innings in England’s T20 World Cup win there in 2022. “I see white-ball and red-ball as completely different sports,” he said. “I'm going out there with a clear mind.”
The 26-year-old played a key role in England’s 2-2 draw in the 2023 Ashes, scoring 363 runs at an average of 40.33, including four half-centuries. While many expect him to push for his first Ashes century this time around, Brook remains focused on impact over milestones.
“That’s not something I really think about,” he said. “I want to be a match-winner. If the team’s in trouble, I want to get us out of it. If that’s getting 75 and we win, I’d take that over a hundred in a losing cause.”
As vice-captain, Brook could be thrust into a leadership role should Ben Stokes be sidelined. However, he believes Stokes will push through despite ongoing fitness concerns. “I see Stokesy playing all five Tests, if I’m being honest,” Brook said. “He’ll power through, even if he has a little niggle.”
Still, his new position marks a shift in the team hierarchy, with Ollie Pope returning to the ranks after previously serving as vice-captain. Brook insisted there are no hard feelings. “I dropped him a couple of messages a couple of weeks ago, talking about golf mainly. I don’t think he’s too bothered — he’s just happy to still be in the squad.”
Stokes’ injury management may be one of Brook’s key responsibilities during the tour. “Because he wants to bowl long spells, that can sometimes be to his detriment,” Brook said. “Everybody in the world knows what he’s like.”
As the Ashes draw near, Brook’s message remains clear: stay present, play the moment, and focus on doing the job for the team — whether with the bat or, if needed, as leader on the field.