Trisha Ghosal in Leeds
The Headingley crowd, poised to erupt in celebration, instead collectively gasped as Harry Brook, the local hero, hooked Prasidh Krishna to deep backward square leg, falling agonisingly short of a century against India. This innings, while not quite reaching the three-figure mark, was nonetheless a testament to resilience, an exhibition of bold strokeplay, and a defining, albeit bittersweet, moment for the young Yorkshireman on his home turf.
Brook’s journey to this near-milestone was punctuated by moments of fortune, highlighting the fine margins of Test cricket. Last evening, in the dying embers of Day 2, he received a colossal reprieve when a top-edged pull off Jasprit Bumrah seemed destined for mid-wicket, only for the third umpire to spot a crucial no-ball. He was gifted another life this morning on 46, when Rishabh Pant, usually so reliable, couldn’t cling onto an outside edge off Ravindra Jadeja. Later, on 82, Yashasvi Jaiswal grassed another chance, further extending Brook’s stay at the crease.
But to focus solely on the chances would be to diminish the brilliance of Brook’s innings. From the moment he strode out this morning, there was a palpable intent. The very first over saw him cut Prasidh Krishna for four, followed by a majestic six over mid-wicket. The early aggression was a clear statement of intent, and he continued to put India under sustained pressure.
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He reached his fifty shortly before lunch, a swift 65-ball effort, marking his second half-century in three innings at Headingley in his maiden Test against India. As the second new ball became available, Brook truly shifted gears, accelerating with a flurry of boundaries off Mohammed Siraj, including a perfectly executed upper-cut for four. The short ball was met with the disdain it deserved, dispatched for a six that showcased his power and timing.
This 99 is more than just a personal near-miss; it’s a crucial innings for England. It has brought the team within striking distance of India’s first innings total, a remarkable turnaround given the pressure he was under when he came out to bat. For a Yorkshire boy to come so close to achieving this feat at Headingley, in his inaugural Test against India, makes it all the more poignant. The manner of his scoring, a blend of power, precision, and a touch of fortune, had truly captivated the home crowd.
Brook will undoubtedly feel the sting of missing out on joining this esteemed list, but his innings of 99 will still be remembered for its boldness, signalling Brook’s immense potential on the grandest stage.
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