Harry Brook issues a challenge to Australia’s veteran bowler: “I’m going to try to take him on.”

Harry Brook is confident in his ability to identify openings and fire missiles across the field, adjusting to Lyon’s field positioning. For many players, including Nathan Lyon, who recently won the World Test Championship—his version of the World Cup—the upcoming Ashes is anticipated to be a riveting competition. Although Lyon has a distinguished history as one of the game’s most prolific wicket-takers, the English ‘Bazball’ strategy is designed to neutralise him.

In the ICC World Test Championship 2021–23 cycle, Nathan Lyon claimed 88 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker. Meanwhile, English middle-order batsman Harry Brook, who has had a stellar start to his Test career with an 81.80 batting average and four centuries in seven matches, has made it plain that he will target the Australian off-spinner.

“If he delivers a quality ball, I will respect it. Other than that, I will attempt to challenge him. He could take a number of wickets, but hopefully we’ll score a lot of runs against him. I’d like to believe that I’m a player who can locate and strike different gaps, and I try to play all around the wicket. Brook told the ICC, “I’ll see whatever field he has; I’m sure they’ll start with everyone up and we’ll go from there.”

He will likely bowl in the middle of the batting order in the presence of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and the returning Moeen Ali.

I’m looking forward to challenging myself against those young men. Harry Brook

The 24-year-old Brook hopes to seize the opportunity to compete against Australia, which recently won the ICC World Test Championship. Brook is aware that the Australians will likely have some strategies in mind for him, but he views this as an occasion to test himself against such exceptional opponents.

“I probably did not anticipate such a good start, but I’ll take it any day of the week. It’s been a whirlwind six months, the greatest winter I’ve ever wished for, and may it last forever. I eagerly anticipate the Ashes.

“Australia is one of the best teams in the world after winning the World Test Championship, and I’ve always desired to play against the best players in the world to determine my true level of skill. I’m looking forward to facing those guys and competing against them and any plans they may have against me,” he added.

Friday, June 16, will mark the commencement of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham.