Harry Brook to 'rein' in 'shocking' shots as England work on principles ahead of third Ashes Test with Australia in Adelaide
Updated 15/12/2025 at 18:53 GMT
Harry Brook has taken full responsibility for his cheap dismissals in the opening two Tests of the Ashes, as the England player promised to "rein it in" during their must-win third Test in Adelaide. Australia bowler Nathan Lyon hopes to be back for hosts. England are 2-0 down in the five-match series after defeats in Perth and Brisbane. Watch all the Ashes action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Brook reveals 'four things' England have identified in pursuit of first Ashes series win
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England’s Harry Brook says he will "rein it in" during the third Test after being cheaply dismissed during the first two Tests of the Ashes, which ended in defeat for his team.
Brook started the series with a half century in Perth, before being out for a duck in the second innings off the bowling of Scott Boland.
Brook then fell for 31 in the first innings of the second Test when he lashed wildly at a ball from Australia's talisman, Mitchell Starc. And he only made 15 in the second innings.
Now comes the third Test in Adelaide, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+, starting on Tuesday night at 23:30 GMT.
Reflecting on his series so far, Brook said: "Sometimes I've got to rein it in a little bit, learn to absorb the pressure a bit more.
"I need to realise when the opportunity arises to put the pressure back on them. I feel like I haven't done that as well as I usually do. There's no reason behind that, I just haven't identified those situations well enough," Brook told reporters ahead of the Adelaide Test.
"I'll be the first person to stand up and say that they were bad shots. Shocking shots.
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Brook out for duck as wickets start to tumble again
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"I'll admit that every day of the week, especially that one in Perth. It was nearly a bouncer and I tried to drive it. It was just bad batting. The one in Brisbane, I've tried to hit for six.
"That's what I mean when I try to say that I need to rein it in a little bit. I can almost just take that and hit it for one to get down the other end. I don't regret them, but if I was there again, I would try and play it slightly differently.
"I'll be thinking about my game and the risks and the options I have before I go out there."
Speaking to TNT Sports, Brook explained how sticking to their core principles is vital for England to enjoy success in the Adelaide Test.
"Not necessarily changing the way that we play," Brook said. "We’ve got four things we want to stick to and one of them is absorb pressure.Â
"One of them is apply pressure, [one is to] chase the ball hard to the boundary and [the final one is to] give 100% at all times.
"We’ve just got to be slightly better in a couple of them aspects and I think that will hold us in good stead going into this game.
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England on the rocks as Brook caught on next ball after surviving DRS
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Analysing the differences between playing at home and in Australia, Brook said: "The grounds are bigger, the atmosphere’s louder, the cricket’s harder but generally, it’s a tough place to come and play cricket.Â
"They've been such an unbelievable side at home for so many years now. You’ve got to tip your cap to them sometimes.
"We are just going to try and stay in the moment as much as possible, stick to our processes, try and play our best cricket."
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Lyon ready to 'work backside off' to get back in the Australia team
Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon is hoping to still make his mark on this year’s Ashes, after being left out of the first two Tests.
Lyon has been one of the most notable bowlers in the history of the famous clash between the countries, with 110 Ashes wickets to his name.
Speaking about being omitted from the action so far, Lyon said: "Pretty disappointing for me, personally, last week.Â
"I was pretty well set in making sure I could help out the team in any way I could and I felt like I did that pretty good, and to be 2-0 up in the Australian cricket changing room is pretty special," he said.
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'I'm very clear on my role' - Lyon admits 'dream' of continuing to play for Australia
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Asked if he will need to justify his selection, should he make an appearance, Lyon said: "I've played 140 Test matches, I feel like I don't have a point to prove to anyone.
"I'm very clear on my role within this Australian cricket team. I love playing with everyone in that changing room, and love representing Australia. So if I get that opportunity again, I'll keep doing that.Â
"My dream is to continue to play cricket for Australia. And no one's got a given right to be selected.
"You've got to work your backside off to make sure that you put your hand up for selection and you earn that right."
Watch and stream every ball of the Ashes live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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