AUS vs ENG: "Australia, Pat Cummins Were Persistent With Their Lengths"- Harry Brook

England batter Harry Brook scored 85 off 91 balls in England’s first innings score of 283 in the opening day of the fifth Test at The Oval. Australia ended the day on 61/1 with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne still unbeaten at the crease.

Brook’s counter-attacking innings consisted of 11 fours and two sixes as he took on all the Australian bowlers. Ben Duckett (41), Zak Crawley (22), Moeen Ali (34), Chris Woakes (36), and Mark Wood (28) were the other key contributors with the bat in the England innings.

Brook spoke to the reporters after the day’s play speaking about the method in which he scored his runs on the first day of the Test match.

“I know it looks madness when we are out there and scoring quick but we have always had little moments where we have had to rein it in and soak up pressure [against Australia]. I do look to score, if I am just trying to survive I am pretty useless!” Brook said after the day’s play on Sky Sports.

He then spoke about the lengths bowled by the Australian bowlers, especially their captain Pat Cummins.

“Australia are so persistent in their lengths, particularly Pat Cummins. When he gets a bit off the pitch, he is tough to face. I felt like I got battered on the inner thigh pad all day!” the batter further said.

Pretty Happy With The End Score: Harry Brook

The England batter also said that they were expecting to score 250 but ended up scoring 283 which meant they were happy with the end score.

“We were thinking about 250 being a good score about lunchtime so to end up getting 280, we are pretty happy,” Brook said about England’s total.

Australia ended the day on 61/1 with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne still unbeaten at the crease. Moeen Ali’s groin injury will be an issue for England as he is the specialist spinner on the side. In case he does not bowl on day two, Joe Root will need to roll his arm over.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: ECB Calls For Schedule Flexibility, Reserve Days After Manchester Test Washout