Harry Brook parks away external noise for New Zealand series as he is well aware of the distractions it can cause.
Harry Brook parks Ashes chat to train focus on New Zealand.
Speaking with an England player right now is frustrating. There will soon be the biggest series in years. We’ve been talking about it nonstop for months. And they’re overcoming playground gossip instead of engaging in it like the rest of us.
“We’re in New Zealand,” says Harry Brook, speaking from New Zealand. So far, so good. “I’m the white-ball captain.” Also correct. “We’ve got a game tomorrow night.” Three from three. “And that’s all I’m thinking about.” Wrong. Tell us that Josh Hazlewood is going to get sent to the moon.
This Harry Brook is sophisticated. More wise than the man who was twice burned by England supporters in 2024 after stating that “who cares” if someone is caught on the border, and who was once burned after expressing his satisfaction at being able to “shut up” Indian fans in 2023. He is now a man who leads his nation both on and off the pitch in 2025.
As captain, Brook was responsible for standing and thanking the local Maori chiefs at the conclusion of the ceremony on Friday when England received a traditional cultural welcome at the Hagley Oval. Head coach Brendon McCullum gave him a whack on the thigh for doing a straightforward but crucial assignment.
Brook’s growth as a cricket player has been closely tied to the nation. Ben Stokes, his Test captain, is originally from New Zealand. One of the most well-known New Zealanders in history is McCullum, the only Test head coach he has ever known. He may have had his best knock in an England shirt during his centuries in Wellington, Christchurch, and Wellington. Additionally, this is his first tour as captain of England.
However, the truth is that Brook is highly likely to leave the Ashes series at some point while wearing the England blazer and serving as his nation’s captain. In his last four Test series, Stokes has missed a game due to injury. And because of those around him, the Brook who succeeds will be considerably different from the one who made his debut a little more than three years ago.
“I want Stokesy to play all five games,” Brook said, knocking back any suggestion he’s thought at all about the prospect of walking out on Boxing Day to call heads in front of 95,000 people. “But now we’re in New Zealand. I’m the white-ball captain, and that’s my main focus. That’s all I’m thinking about at this moment in time. We’ve got a game tomorrow night. And like I’ve said so many times, [I want to] just stay in the moment as much as possible.”