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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Barney Ronay at the Kia Oval

Brook’s hoodlum hundred deserves to sit in its own brilliant square of light

Harry Brook is acknowledged by the crowd after completing his hundred against India on day four of the fifth Test at the Oval
Harry Brook is acknowledged by the crowd after scoring his century against India on day four of the fifth Test. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

OK. Who angered the gods? Cricket gods. Weather gods. Sport gods. All the gods. Because quite clearly, the gods, well, the gods are clearly deeply annoyed. As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods of fifth-day stewarding costs. They lead us on, whiz us into a frenzy, and drag us back the next day for their sport.

It felt fitting in the end that England and India will get to face one another on the 25th of 25 days in this brain-manglingly fine Test series, played out now by two teams operating on fumes, caffeine, ship’s biscuits and blood‑sodden socks.

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