Harry Brook says England have no intention of dialling down the intensity ahead of the fourth instalment of their gripping Test series against India.
England lead India 2-1 in the five-match series heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford after a 22-run victory at Lord’s that was as fiery as it was dramatic.
Verbal exchanges between players and an enthralling final-session conclusion saw the Lord’s thriller evoke memories of the 2005 Ashes series, 20 years on from the summer when cricket gripped the nation.
Brook was just six years old when Michael Vaughan’s side ended 18 years of Ashes hurt. Too young to fully grasp the moment back then, he’s relishing contributing to something just as compelling.
“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me saying it’s been an amazing series and thanking me,” he said. “Everyone’s said the Lord’s game was one of the best they’ve ever watched.
“Every game that we’ve played so far has gone into the last hour of the game, which you do not see very often. It’s been an incredible series, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of it.”
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Take a look back at all of the tension and needle from the feisty third Test between England and India
Brook continued: “The 11 versus two on the pitch, that’s how you get brought up to try and play cricket, to work as a team, to figure out how we’re going to get them out and you don’t always have to be nice.
“As we saw last week, we tried to create a bit of a niggle and who knows, that might have played into our favour, or we just bowled well. It was good fun and I’m looking forward to the rest.”
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Watch highlights between England and India on the final day of the third Test from Lord’s
Brook pushed back on suggestions India were rattled, pointing at the tourists’ series-levelling 336-run victory at Edgbaston as evidence England’s work is far from over.
“I wouldn’t say,” Brook replied. “India is such a good side; they can bounce back at any stage.
“We saw that after beating them at Headingley, they bounced back and had an excellent performance at Edgbaston.
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England captain Ben Stokes reflects on his side’s thrilling win in the third Test against India
“We’ve got to go out there, try and do our thing and hopefully it’s better than theirs.
“We’re in a strong position, we’re happy with the way the games have gone so far, they’ve been tense, they’ve been good to watch.
“We’re looking forward to this week, another different challenge depending on the surface. India is a very strong side and hopefully we can go out there and beat them again.”
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Before India and England go head to head on Wednesday the India cricket team take timeout to visit Manchester United
England vs India – results and schedule
England lead five-match series 2-1 (all games at 11am UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports)
Watch the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event on Wednesday with coverage from 10am ahead of the first ball at 11am, or stream without a contract.
