England to focus on preparation and fitness ahead of ODI WC: Brook

England captain Harry Brook has stressed the importance of improving the team’s preparation and fitness standards ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. With England set to play three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia down under, Brook said the team would use the series as an opportunity to sharpen their skills, strengthen their fitness and establish higher standards in their preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup in Africas.

“With the World Cup 12 months away, it’s a good period now to really start to try and nestle down, hone the skills and the lessons that we’ve learned,” Brook said. “The key is to try and be one of the fittest and strongest sides in the world.

To be able to try and dominate throughout that competition (World Cup),” he added. Meanwhile, England has several selection decisions to make ahead of the series, particularly regarding the spin bowling combination. Adil Rashid was left out for three matches in Pakistan, with left-arm spinner Liam Dawson being preferred by the team.