Sir Geoffrey Boycott has urged Harry Brook to improve his decision-making in Test cricket, arguing that the England batter has the ability to reach the level of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara but is not yet making full use of his talent, according to a Times of India report.
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Boycott, who played 108 Tests and 36 one-day internationals for England, praised Brook’s timing, reach and range of strokes. The former England captain said Brook’s aggressive instincts and shot selection were limiting his effectiveness in the longer format.
Why Boycott is concerned about Brook’s Test batting
Boycott’s concern centres on Brook approaching too many Test deliveries with the attacking mindset associated with white-ball cricket. Boycott said the England batter needs to assess deliveries more carefully rather than looking to attack immediately.
Brook was described in the source report as the world’s No. 1 Test batter, although the report also noted that he had gone more than a year without a Test century. Brook scored 91 in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley before making 15 in the ongoing Test at Lord’s.
Boycott believes Brook’s ability is not in question. Boycott instead identified selection of shots and adaptation between formats as the areas preventing Brook from producing more consistent Test innings.
The Lara and Tendulkar comparison
Boycott said Brook could enter the company of Lara and Tendulkar if the England batter improves his thinking and becomes more selective at the crease. Boycott placed that possibility below only the exceptional standard associated with Don Bradman.
Boycott also warned that Brook’s current approach could continue to produce dismissals in attacking areas such as mid-off and mid-on. Brook’s role as England’s white-ball captain was part of Boycott’s wider point about the difficulty of adjusting an aggressive limited-overs method for Test cricket.
An offer to discuss Brook’s batting
Boycott said Brook’s uncle approached him during the previous year and asked for his assessment of the batter. Boycott said he was willing to offer advice but did not want to approach Brook without an invitation.
Boycott provided his phone number after the conversation but said Brook did not contact him. The former opener maintained that he would still be prepared to help if Brook requested a discussion.
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