After England’s second consecutive defeat to South Africa in the ongoing three-match ODI series on Thursday, September 4, Harry Brook dismissed thoughts of resting Test players.
Following a one-sided defeat in the first ODI, England gave South Africa a run for their money in the second game at Lord’s Cricket Ground, attempting to salvage the series. However, the hosts fell five runs short of South Africa’s total of 330/8.
Some English fans and analysts believe that England should rest some of their Test players ahead of the Ashes trip of Australia, which begins in November. However, following the tight defeat, England’s white-ball skipper Brook stated that he will want to play the strongest teams, with big events including as the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup scheduled for the next few years.
“I’m not selecting the Ashes side, that’s up to Stokesy and Baz. We want to try and play our strongest side in every white-ball game. We’ve got World Cups coming up-the T20 World Cup this winter and the one-day World Cup the following winter,” he said.
Despite admitting that the schedule is demanding, Brook refused to use fatigue as an excuse for England’s recent struggles.
“It’s easy to say that (we’re tired), but in my eyes that’s just an excuse. We’re good enough and fit enough to keep playing for the time being,” he added.
Very good effort for us to get within one blow of their score: Harry Brook
Brook praised the England batters for getting within touching distance of the target, as he felt that South Africa were 10-15 runs above par.
“We felt they (South Africa) were 10 or 15 above par, so it was a very good effort for us to get within one blow of their score,” he commented.
Expensive spells from part-time spinners Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, who conceded a combined 112 runs in just 10 overs, pushed England on the back foot. Brook admitted he had made a tactical error during the encounter.
“I probably got it wrong on one occasion when I bowled Jacksy from the Pavilion End to the right-handers hitting it down the hill. It was a gamble, and the gamble didn’t pay off,” he explained.
The ODI leg of the white-ball series will end with the third and final encounter on Sunday, September 7, which will be played at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. South Africa are 2-0 up in the series and will look to complete a whitewash. England, on the other hand, will look to salvage some pride.
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