Brook 1,000 T20I Runs, Focused on New Zealand

Harry Brook became the 10th English batter to pass 1,000 T20I runs with a blistering 78 off 35 as England posted 236-4 and recorded a dominant victory over New Zealand, with Phil Salt scoring 85, Jacob Bethell 24 and Tom Banton unbeaten on 29. His innings — a mix of timing, power and inventive strokeplay, aided by a reprieve on 40 — underlined his growing status among England’s white-ball run-scorers. Off the field Brook has shown notable maturity, carried out cultural duties at Hagley Oval and drawn on New Zealand influences in his support network, including Brendon McCullum and mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka. He said pre-series barbs from David Warner and Stuart Broad and Ashes hype have not affected the white-ball camp and that he is “staying in the moment.” Brook had been rested for the Ireland leg where Jacob Bethell captained, and he now faces a heavy few months as an all-format regular with the Ashes and the T20 World Cup ahead.