England batter Harry Brook has lifted the lid on India’s bold declaration in the second Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy at Edgbaston. After building a first-innings lead of 180, India batted deep into the fourth day to set England a mammoth 608 to win. While some viewed it as a superb ploy to tempt errors from Ben Stokes and company, Brook believes it was driven more by fear than anything.
Scared of defending?
“We saw them set a ridiculous total for us at Edgbaston. They were a little bit scared of setting us a total that we could potentially get,” Brook said while speaking to media two days before the fourth Test against India. India eventually bowled England out for 271 and won the match, but the English dressing room walked away with a different kind of confidence. Brook feels that India’s ultra-defensive approach was a mental boost for his side ahead of the next matches.
That apprehension, Brook argues, played directly into England’s hands. It gave his side a belief that a challenging target did not deter them but instead fueled their confidence for the remainder of the series. Brook points to England’s stunning pursuits in the first and third Tests as proof of the psychological advantage gained at Edgbaston.
Chasing 372 at Headingley ignited England’s resurgence, and their 22‑run victory at Lord’s showcased a bowler-led fightback in varied conditions.
“Chasing that total at Headingley was an unbelievable win as well. And then obviously last time, the fight and determination we showed to get that last wicket, and the skills and patience that Stokes showed … it kept everybody on the edge of their seat.”
The series now sits at 2-1 in England’s favour, and the fourth Test at Old Trafford begins July 23. India, under pressure and with a few injury concerns, will be hoping to bounce back and maybe rethink their approach to setting targets.
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