RAWALPINDI: England captain Harry Brook on Saturday said the ODI tri-nation series in Pakistan will be a great opportunity for his side to prepare for the all-important 2027 ICC World Cup.

Talking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Brook said that the tri-series, featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka alongside England, would put his team in good stead, especially with a final at the end of the tournament.

“It’s a great opportunity to play a tri-series in Pakistan against two very strong sides. It will definitely hold us in good stead knowing there’s a final at the end. If we get the opportunity to reach that final, it will show us where we are as a squad and as an XI going into a pressure game,” the skipper said.

Welcoming the passionate crowds and cricket atmosphere in Pakistan, the England captain recalled his Pakistan Super League (PSL) stint, saying Pakistan held a special place in his career.

“It [PSL] kick-started my career. I got the opportunity to play for Lahore Qalandars in 2022 and performed quite well. I got to know the conditions very well and got to know the opposition, a lot of whom play for the Pakistan team,” he said.

On England’s planning, Brook said that the team’s goal was to be able to win in all conditions against any opposition.

“We want to be a side that can win in all conditions.

“The aim is to adapt, manufacture totals with the bat on surfaces that are not high-scoring, and defend them. Likewise, we want to chase down any total and have bowlers with skills to stop the opposition,” he said.

Brook also praised the presence of former England batter Kevin Pietersen as a mentor in the England camp in the UK, calling his experience and knowledge exceptional for both young and senior players.

England launch their tri-series campaign with a match against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2026