Sky Sports Cricket’s Eoin Morgan believes Harry Brook has had “a baptism of fire” as stand-in England white-ball captain after two heavy defeats to Australia in the five-match ODI series.
The first loss came at Trent Bridge as England’s bowlers were unable to displace a heroic stand between Travis Head (154no) and Marnus Labuschagne (77no).
Then Brook’s batters, including himself as he was dismissed for four, collapsed at Headingley, five wickets falling for just 65 runs while chasing a modest 270 set by Australia.
The England skipper was defiant in his post-match comments as he said patience is required as his inexperienced side find their feet while still trying to play positively, doubling down on the message that attacking cricket is their goal as England move towards the future and into a new era under incoming white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum.
For Morgan, while the England youngsters need to take lessons, they also need to “stamp their authority” before older heads return to the fore in the new year.
“I think the positives from Trent Bridge would have been the batting department,” Morgan said after Saturday’s defeat.
“Both Ben Duckett and Will Jacks, the partnership they formed in getting them up to a good platform, and a forward-facing commanding score against a strong Australia side.
“Today it is probably with the ball. They weren’t as consistent as Australia would have been if they bowled first but that is just experience, consistency, skill that is produced by two different sides going through two different cycles.
“It is a baptism of fire for Brook at the moment. It is pretty large defeats against a very, very good side.
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Jamie Smith departs before bringing up his 50 during the second ODI against Australia
“We talk about the impact of the experience, quality that Australia bolstered their attack with today and that was evident in the run chase.
“Chasing 270 on the really flat wicket here should be reasonably easy.
“The run-rate was never a concern but continuously losing wickets and not really finding the mantra Brook has talked about.
“He talked about being more positive, more aggressive, possibly doubling down on how they want to play moving forward is important.
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Brook reflected on a challenging game against ‘one of the best in the world’ Australia
“If you look at the timeline of how they look at players, an ODI side will have a new look for say an India tour or Champions Trophy.
“There will be a Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Joe Root.
“So, for these younger, inexperienced players you want to really stamp your authority on this series and in the up-and-coming West Indies series because there may not be chances in the new year and into the Champions Trophy.”
Sangakkara: England need to not sacrifice being smart
Kumar Sangakkara also believes it is important England’s younger cohort are allowed to play with a freedom of expression that displays their talent, but thinks England need to find a way to define their style that allows them to play positive cricket without sacrificing smart cricket.
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Kumar Sangakkara questions the England side’s change and asks for a better definition from the team
“I understand the messaging and the bullishness around it,” Sangakkara said.
“England are transitioning but the real question is to define what they are transitioning to.
“I would like some more definition with how they go out and play and what they talk about in the dressing room.
“Because you have a bit of experience in this side already but a lot of youngsters.
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Watch all 10 wickets from the second one-day international between England and Australia in 60 seconds
“Yes, it is important that the youngsters play with freedom and with expression without fear so they show their talent and build their experience as they go along into that 2027 World Cup.
“You have a lot of returning players, those players coming in from the Test side, that is where the hard yards come from, how you shepherd those players along with understanding what you do in certain situations.
“He has doubled down on it but don’t sacrifice being smart, being adaptable, and understanding what the side needs in a tough situation to win the game.”
England vs Australia schedule – all games live on Sky Sports
- 1st ODI (September 19) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham – Australia won by seven wickets
- 2nd ODI (September 21) – Headingley, Leeds – Australia won by 68 runs
- 3rd ODI (September 24) – Seat Unique Riverside, Durham (12.30pm start)
- 4th ODI (September 27) – Lord’s, London (12.30pm start)
- 5th ODI (September 29) – The Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (11am start)
Watch England vs Australia in the third ODI live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12pm on Saturday September 24 (first ball, 12.30pm) and stream contract-free with NOW.