By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
England batter Harry Brook expressed no regrets about his recent break from cricket, believing it could enhance his performance upon returning. Brook, 25, withdrew from England’s Test tour in January due to his grandmother's illness and subsequently from the Indian Premier League after her passing.
Instead, he opted to play for Yorkshire in April, rejoined the England squad for two T20 matches against Pakistan last month, and is currently part of England’s T20 World Cup squad in the Caribbean.
"Though the circumstances were difficult, spending time with my family was crucial,"
Brook stated.
"Prioritizing my time with my grandmother was the right decision, and I have no regrets."
Brook made these comments during England’s first training session in Barbados ahead of their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland on Tuesday at 15:30 BST.
He appears fitter and noted that he used his five months at home to focus on his fitness, a necessary adjustment after a hectic start to his England career across all three formats since his 2022 debut. He aims to enhance his endurance for running twos in the Caribbean's heat and humidity and to maintain “fast hands” for effective power hitting.
"I dedicated myself to practice and fitness, ensuring I was in the right mental space," said Brook, who managed one half century in England's underwhelming 50 over World Cup campaign last year. "The break was beneficial, and I was eager to return to action with Yorkshire."
Since England’s arrival in Barbados on Friday, the weather has been unpredictable hot with intermittent heavy showers. Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday. England, grouped with Scotland, Australia, Oman, and Namibia, could face increased pressure if early matches are washed out, with the top two advancing to the Super 8 stage.
An extra 90 minutes is available to complete morning games interrupted by weather, with the shortest match being five overs per side, requiring a start by 19:00 BST. "Every game in a World Cup is crucial," Brook emphasized. "We must hope for clear weather to ensure we can play."
England’s likely XI will resemble that from their rain affected series win over Pakistan, with a key selection decision between left arm seamer Reece Topley and fast bowler Mark Wood.