NEWS
Follow UsAn unrestrained Harry Brook has hit back at his critics in the aftermath of his maiden IPL ton on Friday (April 14), with the 24-year-old stating that he was glad to ‘shut the haters up’ days after being subject to criticism on social media following an indifferent start to the tournament.
Purchased for a whopping 13.25 crore at the auction in December, Brook had a nightmarish start to his IPL career, posting scores of 13 (21), 3 (4) and 13 (14) in his first three knocks. The internet is unforgiving, and in no time Brook found himself at the center of heavy trolling, with several people on social media branding the youngster ‘overrated’ and ‘overpriced’ among other things.
However, the England superstar silenced his critics on Friday at the Eden Gardens, smashing a sublime 55-ball 100* to announce his arrival.
Named Player of the Match for his efforts, Brook did not hold back at the presentation ceremony.
“You go on social media and people are calling you rubbish. There's a lot of Indian fans out there who'll say well done tonight. But they were slagging me off a few days ago. Glad I could shut them up to be honest,” Brook said at the presentation.
Friday was only the fifth instance of Brook opening the batting in T20s, with 86.40% of his knocks coming at No.4 and below. In fact, he started this season batting at No.5 before being moved to the top of the order.
Brook seemed at home while opening the batting, but the 24-year-old stated that he does not really have a preferred batting position, and is happy to serve the needs of the team that he plays for.
“A lot of people say it's the best place to bat at. But I am happy to do what the team wants me to do,” he said.
Where does this ton rank among the centuries he’s hit recently? Not anywhere near the four Test tons he has smashed, according to Brook.
“My four Test hundreds will have to be over this one,” he said.
