Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Feb 16: England captain Harry Brook conceded that his side is yet to produce its best cricket, despite sealing a place in the Super 8s with a determined win over Italy in their Group C encounter at Eden Gardens on Monday.

Reflecting on the team’s campaign so far, Brook admitted England have not consistently fired as a batting unit, even though results have gone their way. “We haven't played our best cricket, but at the end of the day, we've made it through, and we're heading to the next round,” he said after the match.

Put in to bat, England posted 202/7, with Will Jacks steadying the innings with a composed half-century. However, Brook noted that building sustained partnerships and maintaining tempo has been a recurring challenge during the group stage.

Describing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, the England skipper stressed the importance of maintaining intent. He acknowledged that fortunes can shift rapidly in the format, underscoring the need for players to remain bold and proactive at the crease.

Italy mounted a spirited chase, testing England’s composure. Brook credited sharp fielding and disciplined bowling at the death for closing out the contest. He singled out Sam Curran for special praise, highlighting his crucial breakthroughs in the final overs, and also commended Jacks for delivering under pressure.

Brook also explained his tactical use of Jofra Archer during the Power-play, deploying him aggressively to seize early momentum.

Looking ahead to the next phase of the tournament, Brook emphasised adaptability and a more fearless mindset with the bat. With only 20 overs to make an impact, he believes England must take more calculated risks if they are to peak at the right time and mount a serious title challenge.