HARRY CANES 'EM

Skipper Brook smacks an incredible century to put England in the semi-finals

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

HARRY BROOK lauded Brendon McCullum for suggesting he move up the order after his staggering captain's innings carried England past Pakistan and into the T20 World Cup semifinals.

Brook had never batted in the top three in T20 internationals before striding out at first drop to face the second ball of England's pursuit of 165 following Phil Salt’s dismissal for a golden duck.

The Yorkshireman, batting two places higher than usual, thrashed a virtuoso 50-ball hundred — his first in T20s for England - that all but secured a two-wicket victory with five deliveries to spare in Pallekele.

Getting to the crease early meant he started against pace, allowing him to take advantage of the powerplay fielding restrictions, and by the time Pakistan introduced their five spinners on a turning track, Brook was set.