Harry Brook’s bizarre take on first ODI defeat against Australia
Harry Brook said that England won’t mind losing wickets in pursuit of runs after they were annihilated in the first ODI by Australia at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday, September 19.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, a 120-run second-wicket partnership off 101 balls between Ben Duckett (95) and Will Jacks (62) helped England get to a commanding position at 168/1 in the 25th over. However, the middle-order batters wasted their starts as the hosts were eventually bowled out for 315 in 49.4 overs. Several England batters were caught on the boundary line, going for maximums. However, Brook, who led the Three Lions for the first time, wasn’t too perturbed as he said that those hits would clear the ropes on other days.
“We are out there to score runs. If you get caught somewhere on the boundary or in the field then who cares? On another day that could go for six so I’m not too fussed about that. Obviously, it was grabbing in the pitch but another day we hit them for six. They hit a few in the air and they landed safely so a little bit unlucky. We want to entertain like I have said a few times. Obviously, we care but if you get out trying to score runs that’s the way we want to play,” Brook was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne reign supreme
After Australian captain Mitchell Marsh perished early, Travis Head and Steve Smith added 76 runs off 72 balls for the second wicket. Liam Livingstone broke the partnership as he ended Smith’s stay at the crease after he made a 28-ball 32. Cameron Green walked out to the middle and scored a run-a-ball 32, adding 73 runs alongside Head off just 64 balls.
However, the match-winning partnership came between Head and Marnus Labuschagne as the duo forged an unbeaten 148-run stand off just 107 balls to take Australia home with seven wickets and six overs to spare. Head remained not out on 154 off 129 balls, belting 20 fours and five sixes. Meanwhile, Labuschagne hit an unbeaten 77 off 61 balls with the help of seven fours and two sixes.
