T20 World Cup: Nepal terrorizes England but Harry Brook’s side may learn

Brook gave a hint at England’s positioning of their senses when he spoke to the media on Friday.

He recalled Liam Dawson – another important part of that win with his 2-21 team at the age of 35 – on his first step in as captain last year.

“You look at the Indian side, they are one of the best teams playing T20 cricket at the moment, and they have about five players,” Brook said. “If they’re doing it, why don’t we have a little crack at it too?”

He later backtracked, seeming to worry about the consequences of appearing to imitate India, but would it be so bad if England were?

It was a diversion from the previous messages of always focusing on themselves.

Brock would probably tell you that those conversations — dealing with the media and finding the right words — are the hardest part of leading a team.

If it was just a matter of what was going on on the 22-yard strip or the green grass surrounding it, there would be no discussion about his future.

He impressed on the pitch as a young captain, and here, fearlessly, he passed his toughest test yet.

England have often looked leaderless on the field during their unfortunate recent run in white-ball tournaments – a period in which they surrendered their T20 and 50-over world titles and exited the Champions Trophy without winning – but in the crucial moment here there was no doubt who was in charge.

He may not have played under him, but Brook referenced Eoin Morgan’s captaincy by frequently holding the ball above the player’s mark, giving his player’s heart rate time to stabilize.

He also led the conversation on the drinks break late in Nepal’s chase, after which they lost two quick wickets.

“He’s been very good at maintaining his level,” Jax admitted.

“Gus [Buttler] “They have spoken up as well and these experienced guys play a crucial role when these pressure situations come.”

Of course, the caveat remains that with one swing of the bat, one flash of the edge, it would have been a different story.

Nepal was hugely impressive, but is still 16th in the world rankings.

Tougher tests will come, but English teams have collapsed in moments of pressure while carrying far fewer burdens than these.

There are just hints, they might learn.