Harry Brook admitted to disappointment after England’s narrow defeat to India in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but praised the fight put up by his side in the nail-biter.
England skipper Harry Brook insisted he was “extremely proud” of his side’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after they pushed the hosts all the way in a high-scoring contest that ended in a narrow defeat for the visitors at the Wankhede Stadium.
Chasing a daunting 254, England stayed in the hunt until the final over before eventually falling short by seven runs, ending a spirited run in the tournament as India made their way into the final, where they’ll be defending their trophy.
Reflecting on the result, Brook praised the fight his side showed throughout the competition. England almost sealed the win at the Wankhede, ending up with 246/7 on the board, thanks to Jacob Bethell’s blinder of a knock.“Disappointed, but extremely proud. Couldn’t ask for much more as a captain to be honest.
“We haven’t been out of any game in this competition all the way until the last over. I’m extremely proud of the way the boys have stuck to their guns.
“They’ve done everything that we’ve asked of them. We’ve got some extremely good players in there, some extremely tough characters as well, to play some of the innings that we have done in this competition and deliver some of the overs that we have done as well.“We’ve had a very good campaign and unfortunately it’s not paid off tonight.”
England’s chase was kept alive by a valiant knock from Bethell, whose explosive innings made sure England stayed in the hunt until the very end.Bethell struck a whirlwind 105 off just 48 as he took on the Indian bowlers for a swing over after over, racking up seven sixes and eight fours at 218.75.
Brook hailed the 22-year-old’s temperament and predicted a bright future for him in England colours.“He’s a phenomenal player, as we’ve seen tonight in a high-pressure situation against India on their home turf as well. The way that he played that innings there was just phenomenal.”
“He was in his own bubble and it’s an amazing feeling. You feel like you could hit nearly every ball for six, and it was one of those innings tonight that he’s pulled off and it was a ridiculous knock.“He should be extremely proud of what he’s done tonight and this winter he’s been phenomenal and he’s going to be a very good player for England in the long run.”
Brook also acknowledged the influence of India spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, whose spell proved crucial in slowing England’s chase.Bumrah was once again pivotal in India’s bowling, giving away just 33 runs from his four overs and getting Brook’s wicket as well. His larger impact came in the 18th over, where he conceded just six runs, when England needed 45 off the final three overs.
“He’s a very good bowler, arguably the best of all time at the minute. He’s been a very good bowler for a long time.”“The Indians fielded extremely well. That catch (Axar Patel’s) is arguably one of the best catches I’ve seen as well. Hats off to them.”
Brook also reflected on his own captaincy during his maiden ICC tournament as captain and the working dynamic he shares with head coach Brendon McCullum.“I feel like I’ve done fairly well, to be honest. I’m quite an instinct captain, I make decisions on the field, and we’ve been getting a lot of messages from Baz off the field as well.
“Our partnership has been good throughout this competition and since I’ve taken over. We got on very well, and like I said, the communication throughout the competition and before this competition has been outstanding and long may it continue.”
