08 February 2023 , 12:23
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England star Harry Brook says he is now a stronger and more powerful ball striker and hopes to "dominate" a massive 2023 that includes both a home Ashes series and a 50-over World Cup.
Brook enjoyed a dream 2022, making his England debut, winning the T20 World Cup and being named ICC player of the month for December after smashing three consecutive Test centuries in a historic series whitewash of Pakistan. And having started 2023 by making his ODI debut against South Africa, Brook feels confident this year will be better than the last.
Speaking after he struck 97 in a warm-up match ahead of England's two Test series against New Zealand, which saw him blast five sixes in an over off leg-spinner Adi Ashok, Brook said: "I think I've got a little bit stronger and I feel like I'm hitting the ball a bit harder.
"Whether that's just because I've been given the freedom to go out and play in a positive way, take the match on, or whether I've actually got stronger, I just feel like I'm hitting the ball a lot harder than I was before.
"You feel like you can go out and almost do anything in this setup, it's really fun playing under these guys." Brook capped off 2022 by earning a bumper IPL deal worth around £1.3m with Sunrisers Hyderabad, making him the most expensive specialist batter ever signed at a mini-auction.
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"That took a while to sink in to be honest," he admitted. "It's a dream of mine to go and play in the IPL but I probably wasn't expecting to go for that much. Every little helps!
Brook enjoyed a brilliant 2022 and is hoping to "dominate" 2023 (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)"Life has changed a fair bit. Last year was probably the best year of my life, lifestyle and cricket-wise, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.
"Standing here saying I'm a World Cup winner is unbelievable and nobody can ever take that away from me. It was a phenomenal year. Hopefully I can come back this year in full flow and dominate."
Joe Root and Dan Lawrence also scored half-centuries in the warm-up game, with Root producing a reverse scooped six on his way to 77 and Lawrence pushing his case for a spot in the starting line-up with a quick-fire 85 off just 55 balls. Captain Ben Stokes did not bat as England were bowled out for 465, with New Zealand bowler Kyle Jamieson ramping up his return from injury with figures of 3-65.