Ashes 2025-26: If Pat Cummins gets ruled out of Perth Test, it will play into England's hands: Harry Brook

England's newly appointed Test vice-captain Harry Brook will begin his tenure with the challenging Ashes series Down Under. The 26-year-old has had a stunning start to his Test career, scoring 2820 runs in 30 Tests at an average of 57.55. However, his biggest challenge awaits as the former World Test Champions will certainly have special plans in store for him.

Brook, however, believes that England could have an advantage if Australian skipper Pat Cummins fails to get fit in time for the first Ashes Test, which starts on November 21, at the Perth Stadium. For the unversed, Cummins is dealing with a back injury, which has forced him to race against time ahead of the Perth Test. However, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald conceded on Friday that Cummins is "running out of time" before November 21.

While Brook believes that Australia have several world-class bowlers in their ranks, they will miss the combination of skill and leadership that Cummins offers.

"He is an amazing bowler and has been for many years. He bowls at high pace, with high skill. With him out of their side for the first game, from what we've seen, hopefully that plays into our hands… [But] we can't take anybody lightly," Brook said at Thursday night's PCA awards ceremony, in partnership with Toyota.

I don't know what I'm stepping into: Brook

Brook was a part of the previous meeting between England and Australia in the Ashes. However, that series was played in the United Kingdom. Now, he is gearing up for a fresh challenge, facing Mitchell Starc and Co. on the Australian surfaces, which are known for its pace and bounce. The right-handed batter said that the five Tests against India earlier this year was the most intense series he has been a part of. He mentioned that he will be happy if the Ashes tops that.

"I don't know what I'm stepping into. I know it's a massive thing, but I'm still trying to get over that India series. That was awesome to be part of: to play 25 days out of 25 was mega. That was the most intense series I've ever been part of. If the Ashes tops that, I will be a very happy man," Brook said.

"It is obviously intense. I can't even remember much about the 2023 Ashes, if I'm honest. It's a very similar group of players that we'll come up against: a very strong bowling attack and on home soil they'll present different challenges. I haven't had too much experience of the pitches out there, so I have to stay in the moment as much as possible and play what's in front of me," he added.