Harry Brook has highlighted smog as a key reason why England collapsed to India's spinners in the first IND vs ENG T20 match of the five-game series, after the tourists were comprehensively beaten in Kolkata.
England lost with 43 balls to spare at Eden Gardens, after they were bowled out for 132 batting first. Brook made 17 runs from 14 balls in his innings, before he was bowled by a googly from Varun Chakravarthy, who finished his spell with figures of 3-23. England struggled in particular against India's spinners, with Brook's record in T20s in Indian conditions particularly of concern. From 17 T20 matches in India, he averages 17.
Speaking ahead of the second T20I in Chennai, Brook said the air quality in Kolkata made the challenge of the spinners particularly difficult. "Chakravarthy is an exceptionally good bowler," said the England vice-captain. "He's tough to pick, and actually with the smog the other night, it was a lot harder to pick as well. Hopefully the air is a bit clearer here and we can see the ball a bit easier."
Brook wasn't alone in his struggles in the series opener. Liam Livingstone fell for a two-ball duck, bowled attempting to drive a ball from Chakravarthy. Jacob Bethell also looked uncomfortable against Ravi Bishnoi, before he hit a ball from Hardik Pandya straight to midwicket.
England have named Jamie Smith as cover for the currently unwell Jacob Bethell for the second T20I against India.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 24, 2025
They have also dropped Gus Atkinson for the game.
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"Facing spin in T20 cricket is probably the hardest thing in the game," said Brook. "Maybe I've got to rein in a little bit but we'll see. I do have a method against it. It's just trying to do it consistently and a little more often. I come in in the middle order, so the first few balls I face are usually off spin. So if I get out early, it's usually against a spinner, so maybe my stats aren't as good against spin, and there's always going to be criticism in some parts."
England will make at least one change to their starting XI for the second match of the series tomorrow (January 25). Brydon Carse will come into the side for Gus Atkinson, who conceded 38 runs off two overs in Kolkata. Jamie Smith is also on standby to come into the middle order, with Bethell struggling with illness.
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