Pietersen’s eyes roll slightly when he is asked about Ben Stokes’ recent comments comparing Harry Brook’s talents to his. Pietersen, like Brook, was a maverick – a batter capable of incredible highs. Those highs mean the lows come with a disproportionate level of criticism. “Where I can help him is playing situations, because there was
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid will miss the opener to the three-match series against Sri Lanka because of a hand injury. With Jacob Bethell already absent following knee surgery, Tom Banton will open the batting. England hammered the tourists 3-0 in a one-sided T20 series last week. Brook’s team have been superb in the shortest format, winning
Third T20 international, Old Trafford Sri Lanka 124 all out (18.5 overs): Nissanka 36 (24), K Mendis 35 (28); Baker 2-17, Archer 2-23, Jacks 2-31 England 126-2 (9.4 overs): Buttler 62* (32), Brook 33 (21) England won by eight wickets, won series 3-0 Scorecard England steamrollered Sri Lanka in the third T20 to complete a
Brook is, in many ways, the TikTok generation’s Pietersen. Pietersen invented the switch hit – a shot Brook rarely plays. Brook’s version is that tumbling scoop over his and the wicketkeeper’s head, which was absent here. They are most similar in the way they pick length, allowing them to pull, flat-bat or cut balls from
Third Rothesay Test, Edgbaston (day two of five) Pakistan 133 (Shakeel 43; Tongue 4-42) & 52-2 (Robinson 2-10) England 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50; Razaullah 4-148) Pakistan are 268 runs behind Scorecard England’s charge towards a two-day win in the final Test against Pakistan was only halted by rain
Third Rothesay Test, Edgbaston (day one of five) Pakistan 133: Shakeel 43; Tongue 4-42, Robinson 3-15, Archer 3-25 England 156-4: Gay 60, Brook 52* England are 23 runs ahead Scorecard England again demolished the dismal Pakistan batting to move on course for a 3-0 clean sweep on the opening day of the third Test at
