Michael Vaughan urges ‘genius’ Harry Brook to deliver at World Cup
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged Harry Brook to demonstrate his “genius” and lead the national side’s charge in the T20 World Cup Super 8s.
The Yorkshireman began the tournament with a half-century against Nepal but has failed to pass 20 in his last three innings.
England reached the next stage of the competition following a nervy victory over Italy in Kolkata.
Vaughan believes the white-ball skipper possesses immense talent, evidenced by a recent unbeaten 136 against Sri Lanka.
Time to deliver in ‘showcase’ events
However, the 2005 Ashes-winning captain feels Brook has yet to dominate consistently on the biggest stage.
“That innings he played in Sri Lanka, he’s just got a genius in him,” Vaughan told the Stick to Cricket podcast.
He added that while Brook has played incredible knocks, they have often been away from major tournaments.
“The showcase in cricket for me is an Ashes series. Have you done it in a big Ashes series when it really matters? Harry Brook is yet to have done that.”
Vaughan insisted that the upcoming Super 8s stage is the perfect platform for the batter to prove his quality.
“Harry hasn’t played many World Cups, but this is his moment. These next two weeks, the Super 8s, go and deliver an 80 or 100 in a big, big game.”
Buttler prioritises team over personal form
Brook’s dip in production has been compounded by the struggles of his opening partner, Jos Buttler.
The wicketkeeper-batter has not scored a half-century in 14 international innings this winter, with a top score of just 39.
Despite the lean patch, Buttler has rejected advice from pundit Nasser Hussain to bat conservatively to regain his touch.
“In T20s, you’ve got to keep playing the scoreboard, if you’re chasing 10 an over you’ve got to play accordingly,” Buttler said.
He emphasised that the format demands selfless play rather than accumulation for personal statistics.
“I saw Nasser say ‘just bat for 15 overs’ and I would love to just bat for 15 overs but I don’t want to bat for 15 overs just for myself and ignore the game.”
Buttler maintained that despite his current form, the fundamental approach to his batting remains unchanged.
“I’ve been through lots of patches of poor form over 15 years in all different formats, it’s always the same things you come back to at the end which is stand still, watch the ball and trust.”