Harry Brook Surpasses Kohli, Dhoni in ODI Record Books
Harry Brook, England’s rising star, has etched his name into the record books by surpassing Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia. Brook’s exceptional performance as captain has propelled him to the top of the list for most runs in a bilateral ODI series against Australia.
In the fifth and final ODI, Brook’s blistering knock of 72 runs off 52 balls not only helped England set a respectable total of 308 (all out) but also propelled him to the top of the list for most runs as captain in a bilateral ODI series against Australia. Brook’s aggregate of 312 runs in the series is now the highest by any captain in such a contest, surpassing Kohli’s 310 runs during India’s 2019 series against Australia and MS Dhoni’s 285 from 2009. England’s Eoin Morgan (278 in 2015) and Pakistan’s Babar Azam (276 in 2022) also trail Brook’s remarkable feat.
Brook’s 312-run tally is also the second-highest by an English batter in a bilateral series against Australia, only behind Jonathan Trott’s mammoth 375 runs from the seven-match series in 2010/11. The 25-year-old England skipper’s impressive performance is a testament to his leadership skills and batting prowess.
In the match, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, but England’s batting lineup responded robustly. While opener Philip Salt set a fiery tone with 45 off 27 balls, Ben Duckett anchored the innings with a brilliant 107 off 91 deliveries. However, it was Brook’s authoritative 72 that stood out, as his aggressive stroke play and leadership under pressure allowed England to go past 300 runs.
Brook fell to Adam Zampa, caught by Glenn Maxwell, but not before leaving a significant mark on the series. Australia’s bowlers, led by Travis Head (3/27) and Maxwell (2/49), kept England’s middle and lower order in check, ensuring a challenging chase awaited the visitors in what promised to be a thrilling decider.