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'Brook is Not Suited for Number 3': Michael Vaughan 'Urges' England to Promote Joe Root

image-ljs5uyquJoe Root was dismissed for 3 in the first innings at Headingley

Former England captain, Michael Vaughan, has reckoned that the English team would be better served by having Joe Root bat at No. 3 instead of the struggling Harry Brook.

Michael Vaughan calls for batting order maneuver

Brook, who suffered a disappointing performance in the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley, was promoted up the batting order in the absence of Ollie Pope. However, he failed to make a substantial impact, getting dismissed for just three runs as he edged one straight to Steve Smith at second slip off Pat Cummins’ bowling.

Expressing his opinion on the matter on Cricbuzz, Vaughan emphasized the importance of not shying away from making necessary adjustments, particularly with the upcoming challenge of chasing a target in the fourth innings.  

The English veteran urged England not to hesitate in acknowledging that Brook seemed ill-suited to the No. 3 spot and suggested promoting Root to that position instead. According to the erstwhile cricketer, Root, effectively opened the batting as he had to come so soon to bat.

"Considering they'll have to chase something in the fourth innings, I'll tell England don't be scared of tinkering. Don't be scared of realizing that Harry ( Brook) didn't look quite suited at no. 3 and maybe can push Joe ( Root) upto no. 3. He pretty much opened the batting tonight, having come in so soon,” said Vaughan.

The renowned commentator further highlighted Brook's potential as a dangerous player but cautioned against Australia's likely satisfaction if he were to continue batting at No. 3. Considering this, he suggested that Brook could be better utilized lower down the order.

"Don't be worried about maneuvering the batting order because Harry Brook is a really dangerous player but if you said to Australia, do you like him batting at 3, they will say thank you very much. For that reason, maybe Harry goes down the order," added the 48-year-old.

It is worth mentioning that prior to the third Ashes Test, Brook's limited exposure to the No. 3 position in red-ball cricket had yielded an average of only 22 which is a figure that raises concerns about his suitability for that role.