Alastair Cook warns Harry Brook about his captaincy attitude after England’s ODI loss vs Australia

In a strong warning to rising star Harry Brook, Sir Alastair Cook expressed concerns over the stand-in ODI captain’s attitude after England’s heavy loss to Australia in the first ODI on September 19. England cricket team had a great start, but a mid-innings collapse dashed hopes of putting up a big total on the board against Australia at the Trend Bridge.

Chasing 316 runs to win the game, the Australia cricket team turned the opening ODI of the ongoing three-match ODI series into a one-sided affair on Thursday, as they chased down the target with seven wickets in their hand and 36 balls to spare against England at the Trent Bridge.

Alastair Cook criticizes Harry Brook’s careless approach after England’s massive defeat to Australia in the first ODI

After the game, Alastair Cook pointed out that England was set for a big score, but reckless shot selections from the set batters triggered a downfall, leading to their eventual massive defeat against their arch-rival Australia in the first ODI, conceding a 0-1 lead to them in the ongoing ODI series.

He was especially critical of Harry Brook’s post-match comments, where the young skipper denied any concerns over the batters losing their wickets while going for big hits. Harry Brook emphasized England's focus on playing an explosive and entertaining brand of cricket, suggesting that maintaining aggression without fear of getting out was their approach.

However, Alastair Cook wasn't convinced by Harry Brook’s mindset, warning the young English star that such a casual attitude might come back to haunt him. The legendary further mentioned that Harry Brook's comments reflected poor judgment, particularly in the context of a high-stakes match where England needed more calculated decisions, and it played a big part in their defeat.

He's trying to give that message about taking the right option: Alastair Cook on Harry Brook

The former England captain stressed that the key to success lies in reading the match situation and adapting accordingly, something England failed to do after being 200/2 against Australia in the first ODI. He believes that a balance between aggression and awareness of the game situation is essential.

Alastair Cook said on the BBC Test Match Special: “I think if he has his time again, in a few years' time as captain, Harry Brook might cringe a little bit at saying what he actually said. He gave a bad answer to a question about not minding being caught on the boundary. I understand what he is trying to say.

He's trying to give that message about taking the right option. Ultimately, they have to be better at recognising the pitch they are on. They messed up from 200-2 and were not good enough with the bat.”

I'm not too fussed about England's reckless shot selection: Brook

Meanwhile, Brook stressed that he was "not too fussed" about how England's wickets fell in the first ODI against Australia. Brook stated: “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.”