Kumar Sangakkara Critiques Harry Brook's Dismissal in Third Test Against India

Harry Brook's Dismissal Sparks Controversy

On Day 4 of the ongoing third Test at Lord's, former Sri Lankan captain and commentator Kumar Sangakkara criticized England's middle-order batter Harry Brook for his dismissal. This incident occurred on Sunday, July 13, as England struggled at 50/3 following Zak Crawley's exit.

Brook joined Joe Root at the crease amid rising tensions, which had escalated after a heated exchange between Shubman Gill and Crawley on Day 3, along with a fiery send-off from Mohammed Siraj to Ben Duckett on Day 4.

The Indian bowlers maintained relentless pressure, showcasing precision and aggression as they began their second innings without a lead, effectively rattling the English top order.

Brook's Aggressive Strategy and Subsequent Dismissal

In an attempt to stabilize the innings, Brook adopted an aggressive batting style alongside Joe Root. During the 20th over of England's second innings, he targeted Akash Deep, scoring 14 runs, including two fours and a six, to boost the team's momentum after a series of quick wickets.

However, Akash Deep sought revenge in his next over. On the first ball of the 22nd over, Brook attempted a sweep shot but missed, resulting in the ball crashing into the middle stump. Akash's celebration reflected his relief after being hit in the previous over.

Sangakkara's Strong Words on Brook's Shot Selection

Brook's dismissal was a significant blow for England, halting their counter-attack after losing key players like Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Crawley. In the first innings, Brook had scored only 11 runs off Jasprit Bumrah, and his recent scores of 11, 23, and 23 have raised concerns about his shot selection and ability to handle pressure.

Sangakkara did not hold back in his assessment, labeling Brook's shot selection as 'arrogance' rather than a strategic move associated with 'Bazball', England's aggressive Test cricket approach. He remarked, "Brook has scooped, and they've given him a gap, so flick it. I think it's a bit of arrogance, not even overconfidence, it's just arrogance."

He further emphasized, "Harry scored 15 runs against Akash Deep and then played a silly shot, that's arrogance."

Brook's Performance in the Series

Despite the criticism, Harry Brook has shown solid form in the Test series against India, accumulating 314 runs, including a fifty and a century, with an average of 52.33 across six innings.

As the first session concluded, England found themselves at 98/4 after 25 overs, with Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes at the crease, scoring 17 and 2 runs, respectively.