Harry Brook says Kevin Pietersen’s mentorship and masterclasses are already bearing fruit for England as they look to take momentum from unbeaten T20 series in three ODIs against Sri Lanka; Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Captain Harry Brook says leaning on a mentor of Kevin Pietersen’s calibre will only help the continued upward trajectory of England’s white-ball sides. Pietersen, regarded as one of the greatest batters of the 21st century, has been brought into the England white-ball set-up in a mentoring role by head coach Brendon McCullum in the build-up to next year’s 50-over World Cup. Brook shed light on the impact Pietersen was already having on the squad, both on and off the field, with the team’s approach to playing spin already addressed in a masterclass from the former England captain. “KP has been very good,” Brook told a press conference.
“He’s enjoying the role, he’s enjoying himself. “He’s been good to have around, little chats here and there. Away from the game, sat having a coffee and a chat about how he sees the game and how he thinks it should be played. “He was a hero to many of us growing up, so it’s good to have a man of his calibre in our side.” On the masterclass, Brook added: “A lot of it was about picking the length of spin.
That is key to facing spin and being able to rotate strike as well as possible. “In ODI cricket that’s an area we probably need to improve as a side. It can make a massive difference to winning games of cricket. “He [Pietersen] was a hell of a player against spin, alongside [Joe] Root and [Marcus] Trescothick.
They were very good players at playing spin, so it’s about picking their brains and asking them what worked for them and putting that into your game.” England, fresh from a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka that lifted them to the top of the T20 world rankings, face Sri Lanka again in their first ODI since teaming up with Pietersen. The three-match series starts in Durham on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports, and Brook has challenged England to maintain their momentum. “We can take a hell of a lot of confidence from being unbeaten in the T20s,” Brook said. “Going into this ODI series we want more of the same.
We’re trying to play a higher-octane style of cricket and put them [the opposition] under pressure with bat and ball. “We want to be one of the fittest sides in the world. To do that, we’ve got to work hard on and off the field. “We are trending in the right direction.
There are a few touches here and there which we can improve.” Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Brook was hailed as an “absolute freak” by Ben Stokes as he tonked a 42-ball hundred, England’s joint-second-fastest in T20Is, to pave the way for a 119-run victory in the T20 series opener against Sri Lanka in Southampton. The swashbuckling innings was played in front of England legend Pietersen, and commented on by Stokes, who took to social media to say that, in his opinion, the Yorkshireman’s ability outstrips that of Pietersen. Asked to comment on Stokes’ assessment, Brook said: “They are his opinions. I’m just trying to stay in the moment and in the present as much as possible.
“It’s good to have KP to work alongside and pick his brains. There are plenty of good players in the squad to chat to about cricket, different surfaces, and playing different styles of bowlers. I’m trying to learn as much as I possibly can.” England have made three changes to the side which secured a 2-1 ODI series victory over India with a 27-run victory at Lord’s on July 19. Tom Banton replaces Jacob Bethell at the top order, Jamie Overton has been deployed as an all-rounder role in Sam Curran’s absence, while Rehan Ahmed replaces the injured Adil Rashid.
England team to play Sri Lanka in first ODI England XI: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue. Watch the first one-day international of the three-match series between England and Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 12pm on Tuesday (first ball 12.30pm). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW. All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
