Harry Brook has admitted that he was certain before the start of the fifth day’s action at the Oval that England would get over the line easily and win the final Test, thereby securing the series by a 3-1 margin. However, Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, claimed four wickets before England could get those 35 runs, thus winning the fifth Test which sees the five-Test series ending in 2-2.
“I thought we’ll easily take it home in the morning, but the way Siraj bowled, he deserved the success today. I thought the pitch would be flatter after the roller. But it zipped around under cloud. But Siraj has had a phenomenal series and a finish,” Brook said at the post-match presentation ceremony where he was awarded England’s Player of the Series (as chosen by India coach Gautam Gambhir).
Brook then praised the Chris Woakes, who tried to help England get over the line by coming out to bat with a dislocated shoulder.
“Woakes would always go out no matter what. Unfortunate we didn’t get over the line,” Brook said.
Brook was given a lifeline by Siraj on Sunday, who caught him on the boundary rope, but overstepped which resulted in a six and a costly reprieve. Siraj and a couple of Indian players spoke about that moment and said that it looked a game-changing moment.
Brook scored 111 from 98 balls in the second innings, where he smashed 14 fours and two sixes. Brook had also scored a half century in the first innings. When he was dismissed, England were on 301/4 with just 73 runs for victory.
“Was going really well when Joe (Root) and I were batting. But this series has been full of ups and downs and the finish was fairly fitting. My mindset was to close the game as quick as possible. Hindsight is beautiful. I’ve played alright this series. Not able to win it is devastating. Happy to contribute as much as I have. It’s been a very intense series, we’ve not left anything out there. Awesome series to be a part of. Great advert for Test cricket,” Brook added.
