Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has launched a stinging critique of England batsman Harry Brook, labelling his dismissal on the opening day of the second Ashes Test as "unacceptable" and a failure of match awareness.
Brook's costly lapse in concentration
The incident occurred at Brisbane's Gabba ground on December 4, 2025. England, recovering from a poor start, had reached 176-3 before Brook's departure. The world number two-ranked Test batter had made 31 runs but his innings ended tamely, edging a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc to Steve Smith at second slip.
Haddin, analysing the match for TNT Sports, argued the shot was a critical error in the context of the game. "England had the game in total control," Haddin stated. "He's gone at a wide one and we say we love the way he plays. But he's a better player than he's currently showing."
A failure of 'match awareness'
The ex-gloveman emphasised that Brook's mistake had dire consequences for his team, specifically exposing captain Ben Stokes to his nemesis, Starc, just before the dinner break. "Ben Stokes has had a horrible time with Starc, there's half an hour to go until the break and you play a loose shot," Haddin explained.
He accused the 26-year-old of "selling the team and himself short" by not considering the match situation. Haddin pointed out that Australia's other seamers were similar in style, making Starc their primary attacking threat. The plan, he suggested, was to force Australia to bowl Starc earlier than desired.
"They didn't want to bowl Starc, they wanted to save him for the final session," Haddin said. "So it's about understanding those moments in Test matches. If Harry Brook starts doing that we can talk about one of the best in the world but at the moment he's selling himself short and his team."
Former England stars join the criticism
Brook's dismissal also drew disapproval from several England legends. Former captain Michael Atherton, speaking on Sky Sports, called it a "very frustrating dismissal." He compared Brook to gifted but inconsistent players of the past like Kevin Pietersen and David Gower.
"That was a very frustrating dismissal. It was a poor shot at a poor time," Atherton concluded.
Ex-wicketkeeper Matt Prior was particularly unimpressed with an earlier attempted scoop shot by Brook, which almost led to him being stumped. "It's all well and good saying 'this is how we play' but this is the Ashes and you need to be accountable," Prior said.
The criticism comes despite a brighter overall batting display from England in Brisbane. After being dismissed for under 175 in a heavy eight-wicket defeat in the first Test in Perth, the tourists reached 200-4 by the close on day one at the Gabba.
This recovery was led by Zak Crawley's fluent 76 and an unbeaten 68 from Joe Root, who looked in complete control according to Haddin. The match continues with England hoping to build a substantial first-innings total, albeit without the contribution many expected from their star number five, Harry Brook.
