I should have got a pair in that game” - Harry Brook’s massive remark on luck ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

England batter Harry Brook seemingly thanked his luck in the first Test against India at Headingley in Leeds. The right-handed batter, who fell for 99 in the first innings, stated that he should have been dismissed for a pair in Leeds; hence, he is glad to make a significant contribution to the cause.

The Yorkshire batter had top-edged a bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah late on day two and was caught by Mohammed Siraj inside the circle. However, Bumrah's bowling a front-foot no-ball meant that Brook survived. Nevertheless, the youngster was dismissed for 99 on day three after holing out a short-pitched ball from Prasidh Krishna to Shardul Thakur.

With Brook getting out for a duck in the second innings in Leeds, he was asked his thoughts on a seesaw Test. During a chat with The Times of India, the 26-year-old claimed:

"Well, I’ve had a little bit of reflection on it last week, I should have got a pair in that game. Obviously, I got out to Bumrah off a no-ball, so I’m pretty happy walking away with 99 and playing a critical role in that game. So yes, I just try and play the way I do. On 99, if you get a short ball, you’re probably more likely to take it on than if you’re on 0. I saw it as a scoring opportunity, and unfortunately, I top edged it straight to the man."

Brook's knock of 99 in England's first innings helped their side to 465, whittling India's lead down to six runs. Although he perished for a golden duck in the second, it didn't stop the hosts from gunning down a stiff 371 with five wickets to spare.

"We had a good win with him playing last week" - Harry Brook on Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah. (Image Credits: Getty)

When asked if Bumrah's potential absence at Edgbaston would mean an advantage for the hosts, Brook agreed but said England would look to apply the pressure, regardless of who the bowler is. He added:

"He’s obviously a great bowler — releases it from a slightly awkward angle and has an amazing amount of skill as well. You just try and respect his good balls and attack his bad balls, really, like any other bowler. I think we had a good win with him playing last week. We’re going to try and look to put all the bowlers under pressure; it doesn’t matter who’s bowling at us. But yes, if the team’s missing the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, it could hopefully make a difference."

Team India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has revealed that they will take a call on Bumrah's inclusion in the very last minute.

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Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer