× CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

When Harry Brook's Six Nearly Started a Bar Fight (And Other Tales from Bristol)




Look, I've been to enough cricket matches to know that spilled beer is basically part of the experience. But watching some poor bloke get absolutely demolished by Harry Brook's boundary shot yesterday? That was something else entirely.

Play Article Audio

The Great Pint Disaster of 2025

Picture this: you're sitting there, minding your own business with your £7 overpriced lager, probably complaining about England's bowling attack like the rest of us. Then WHAM. Brook absolutely cunts one straight into the crowd, and suddenly you're wearing your drink instead of drinking it.

The fan's reaction was priceless though - immediately started gesturing at Brook like "mate, you owe me a pint!" Can't blame him really. Seven quid down the drain because our captain decided to play like a man possessed.

Brook's now 5-for-5 since taking over from Jos Buttler permanently. Mental turnaround when you consider England had lost seven straight before he stepped up.



Rashid Gets Absolutely Hammered (And I Don't Mean the Good Kind)

God, poor Adil Rashid.

31 runs in a single over. Thirty-one! Jason Holder treated him like a club bowler, smashing the first three balls for six. Then Romario Shepherd joined the party and sent the last two over the rope as well.

My mate texted me during that over: "Rashid's having a mare." Understatement of teh century. It was the second-most expensive over in England's T20 history - only Stuart Broad's legendary 36-run nightmare against Yuvraj Singh in 2007 was worse.

Here's the thing though - Rashid wouldn't normally bowl the 19th over. England's bizarre policy of only playing two proper seamers means they're shuffling their bowling attack like a drunk dealer at a poker game.

Buttler called Rashid "the most irreplaceable player" just last week. Still true, but even the best get smacked around when you've got 60-metre boundaries and bats the size of cricket tables.

Bethell and Banton: The Cavalry Arrives

Just when it looked like England might actually bottle this one (chasing 197 after that Rashid carnage), Jacob Bethell decided to channel his inner Thanos.

Three sixes in one over off Alzarri Joseph. Over long leg, straight down the ground, then over point - proper 360-degree destruction. The kid's got some serious power.

Tom Banton wasn't messing about either. First ball? Six. Finished 30 not out from just 11 deliveries.

These two basically said "hold our energy drinks" adn sealed the win with nine balls to spare.

Random Stats That'll Blow Your Mind

395 runs in total. Highest-scoring T20 international ever without a single fifty. How does that even happen?

Luke Wood got Player of the Match after taking 2-25, including Evin Lewis with the very first ball. Poor sod hadn't played for England since September 2023 and probably thought his career was done.

The Visa Drama Nobody's Talking About

Akeal Hosein landed at Heathrow at 7:30am yesterday after an eight-hour flight from the Caribbean. His visa finally got sorted, and they threw him straight into the team.

Imagine that jet lag. Eight hours on a plane, then straight into a T20 international. Modern cricket is absolutely bonkers.

Brook summed it up perfectly afterwards: "We feel like we're a bunch of mates going out and having some fun." That's exactly what it looked like - chaotic, entertaining, slightly unhinged fun.

England's 2-0 up in the T20s now, with the final match in Southampton on Tuesday. At this rate, Brook might need to start a beer fund for all the pints his boundaries are going to destroy.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do professional cricketers train in bad weather?

Professional cricketers have a knack for adapting their training to the conditions. Indoor facilities are a good alternative to outdoor nets, especially for batting or bowling practice. Many of these facilities have gym equipment as well. Swimming and other forms of cardio exercises can also be used to maintain fitness if outdoor training isn't possible. Teams and coaching staff can modify their training plans to prepare for all weather conditions.


What is the importance of fielding drills in a cricketer's training routine?

Cricketers should include fielding drills as part of their training. Modern cricket places an emphasis on high standards in the fielding department. Good fielding can make or break a match by saving runs, making incredible catches or even causing a game-changing out. Fielding drills are designed to improve agility, catching accuracy, quick reflexes, and throwing accuracy. Regular practice will help fielders be more sharp and responsive, which can not only improve the team's defense capabilities but also boost their morale and energy.


How can cricketers keep their mental focus throughout a long match?

The ability to maintain mental focus during long matches is an essential skill that cricketers can develop by using various mental conditioning techniques. Meditation, visualization exercises and goal-setting are some of the techniques that help cricketers stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations. Sports psychologists work with athletes to help them develop mental resilience, as well as cope with stress and anxiety. Pre-delivery routines are also common practices to help focus on your current delivery, rather than the match as a whole.


What is the normal training schedule for a professional cricketer?

The professional cricketer has a structured training program that is rigorous. It's designed to develop physical fitness, technical ability, and game strategy. The schedule usually includes morning workouts that include cardiovascular exercises and agility drills. Afternoons are typically reserved for skill-specific training, such as batting, bowling, and fielding practices. Cricketers also practice simulated matches to prepare them for the real game, as well as regular net sessions. Rest and recovery also form part of the program, with special attention being paid to adequate rest and physiotherapy as needed.


What dietary habits do cricket pros follow?

Cricket professionals have a diet which is tailored to suit their personal needs and the physical demands placed on them by the sport. The dietary regimen is focused on providing balanced nutrition, which encompasses a mix of carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle repair and growth, and fats for longer-lasting energy reserves. Water and sports drinks are essential to staying hydrated. This is especially important during long periods of playing. Sports nutritionists help athletes optimize their dietary plan according to training schedules and matches.


Statistics

  • Fielding drills comprise roughly 20% of a professional cricketer's practice routine in the lead-up to competitive matches.
  • On average, professional cricketers dedicate 20-25 hours per week to various forms of cricket-specific training.
  • Research indicates that fast bowlers need to maintain a body fat percentage below 15% to optimize performance and minimize injury risk.
  • A typical professional cricketer may spend up to 12-15% of their training time on mental skills, such as visualization and cognitive exercises.
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, which are regularly included in cricketers' fitness regimes, can increase their oxygen consumption by approximately 5-10%.

External Links

wisden.com

cricketworld.com

thecricketmonthly.com

lords.org

prodirectcricket.com

How To

How To Enhance Spin Bowling Technique

To improve a cricketer’s spin-bowling technique, pay attention to the mechanics of the finger and wrist position, as well the alignment between the bowling shoulder and arm. Drill the importance of varying flight and speed to create doubt in the batsman's mind. Practice targeting different areas of the pitch, honing in on control and the ability to bowl a consistent line and length. Video feedback will help you fine-tune your bowling grip and action. Regular net sessions with both left-handed and rights-handed batsmen can help improve the strategic aspect of spin bowling.




Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/cricket/when-your-toe-becomes-your-worst-enemy-the-brydon-carse-story-thatll-make-you-wince