'I’m going to try and take him on' - Harry Brook issues warning to Australia's veteran bowler

The upcoming Ashes is expected to be a riveting contest for a lot of players, including Nathan Lyon who recently won the World Test Championship - his equivalent of a World Cup. Although Lyon has an outstanding history as one of the game's top wicket-takers, the English 'Bazball' method of play is intended to cut off him. Nathan Lyon took 88 wickets in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle, emerging as the top wicket-taker.

Meanwhile, Harry Brook, the middle-order English batter who has made a stellar start to his Test career with a batting average of 81.80 and four hundreds in seven contests, has made his intentions clear that he will be going after the Aussie off-spinner. Brook has confidence in his skill to identify gaps and unleash shots across the field, adjusting to Lyon's field placement.

“If he bowls a good ball then I’m going to respect it. But other than that, I’m going to try and take him on. He could get a lot of wickets, but hopefully we’re going to hit him for a lot of runs. I’d like to think I’m a player who can find gaps and hit different gaps, I try and play all around the wicket. I’ll see whatever field he has; I’m sure they’ll probably start with everybody up and we’ll go from there,” Brook told ICC.

In the presence of players like Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and the returning Moeen Ali, he will probably bat in the middle of the batting order.

I’m looking forward to facing those boys and challenging myself against them: Brook

The 24-year-old Brook is looking to embrace the chance to take on Australia, who recently captured the ICC World Test Championship. Brook his wary that the Aussies will have some tactics in their mind for him but he considers this as an opportunity to challenge himself against such outstanding opponents.

“I probably wasn’t thinking I was going to have that start, but I’d take it every day of the week. It’s been a whirlwind six months really, the best winter I could have ever asked for and long may it continue. I’m looking forward to the Ashes.

"Australia are one of the best teams in the world off the back of a World Test Championship win, and I’ve always wanted to play against the best players in the world and see how good I really am. I’m looking forward to facing those boys and challenging myself against them and whatever plans they have against me,” he added further.

Notably, the first Ashes Test will take place between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham beginning Friday, June 16.