Ashes 2023: Harry Brook didn’t look quite suited at No. 3 – Michael Vaughan wants England to promote Joe Root

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan feels Harry Brook didn’t look suited to bat at number three and the hosts could promote Joe Root in the second innings of the ongoing third Ashes Test against Australia. Brook was dismissed after scoring only three runs after he was promoted to number three in the absence of Ollie Pope, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

In fact, the youngster didn’t look comfortable during his short stay of 11 balls and he was sent back to the pavilion by Australian skipper Pat Cummins.

Brook had scored a fifty in the first innings at Lord’s but he could not grab his opportunity while batting at one down in the first essay at Headingley.

Michael Vaughan told Cricbuzz at the end of the opening day: “Considering they’ll have to chase something in the fourth innings, I’ll tell England don’t be scared of tinkering. Don’t be scared of realizing that Harry ( Brook) didn’t look quite suited at no. 3 and maybe can push Joe ( Root) upto no. 3. He pretty much opened the batting tonight, having come in so soon.”

Vaughan added that Australian fast bowlers will enjoy bowling to Harry Brook with the new ball as he looked at sea in the first dig.

“Don’t be worried about maneuvering the batting order because Harry Brook is a really dangerous player but if you said to Australia, do you like him batting at 3, they will say thank you very much. For that reason, maybe Harry goes down the order,” the former England captain added.

The former skipper added he feels for Harry Brook as he is still young in his Test career and has got off to an amazing start. However, Vaughan indicated Brook needs to show more guile in his batting.

“Don’t be worried about maneuvering the batting order because Harry Brook is a really dangerous player but if you said to Australia, do you like him batting at 3, they will say thank you very much. For that reason, maybe Harry goes down the order,” the former England captain added.

Meanwhile, Australia posted 263 runs on the board after Mitchell Marsh top-scored with 118 runs on his comeback Test. England’s gun fast bowler Mark Wood returned with a five-wicket haul as he had figures of 5-34.

England finished the opening day’s play at 68-3 with Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root unbeaten at the crease.