A hard-fought 24-run win over Italy propelled England into the Super 8 phase of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but captain Harry Brook remains cautious. In Kolkata, he openly critiqued the team’s form, insisting they’re not yet firing on all cylinders.
Brook’s post-match remarks were refreshingly blunt. ‘Our best cricket is still to come – we got over the line, but it’s not been pretty,’ he stated. England racked up 202/7 batting first, thanks largely to Will Jacks’ unbeaten half-century that rescued a middling effort.
The skipper highlighted batting lapses as a persistent problem. ‘Group stage hasn’t seen the consistency we crave from our batters,’ Brook said. He put it down to T20’s whims: ‘Big scores one day, ducks the next. We must stay bold and trust our game plan.’
Death bowling proved decisive, with Sam Curran delivering match-winning strikes. ‘Fielding was top-notch, bowling tight, and Sammy with Jamie owned the end overs,’ Brook praised. Jacks’ grit in pressure situations also stood out.
England’s progression offers breathing room, but Brook’s words signal introspection. With Super 8s ahead, the team eyes a return to championship form that defined their past successes.