Harry Brook's rollercoaster ride: from 99 to bowled thrice

Harry Brook's three-Test series has been a curious one. He made 99 and a duck in the first Test, only to be reprieved by a no-ball. He was dropped later too, and still fell one short of a hundred at home. In the second innings, he lasted exactly one delivery.

But then came Birmingham, where he scored a statement hundred in a 303-run stand with Jamie Smith, dragging England from 84 for 5. It was a reminder of why he's seen as the crown jewel of England's next-gen batting.

However, at Lord's, the volatility returned. Twice his stumps were rattled, the second time just before Lunch on Day 4, as he walked across to sweep Akash Deep and missed a half-volley. Kumar Sangakkara, on commentary, offered a ruthless verdict: "That's not Bazball. That's arrogance."

Despite the ups and downs, Brook has never been a product of chance. His cricket coach, Daniel Speight, was convinced of his future and even placed a 100-to-1 bet on him playing for England. When Brook got his England cap, that ticket returned 10,000 pounds.

Brook's early recognition of his talent earned him a bursary to continue his schooling, and he rose through the England age groups. He scored four hundreds and three fifties in his first six Tests, showcasing his elegance, power, and tempo.

Now, Brook is under scrutiny, with some questioning his premeditation and gesture. In Leeds, he danced down the track to Bumrah and lifted him over extra cover, possibly the shot of the series so far, but one that felt jarringly aggressive for the stage of the innings. At Lord's, he played a pair of scoops against Akash Deep, then premeditated a sweep despite Shubman Gill placing a very fine fine leg, and was bowled.

Speight recalls Brook's unwavering clarity, saying that even when he walks out to bat, he doesn't play any differently, really. He doesn't hit the ball in the air, he doesn't get out. He doesn't play any ball other than how it was meant to be played.

Brook's evolution is evident, from the quietest boy in school to the confident, cheeky batter he is today. He's not just fitting into the England setup; he's leaning into it. And like many in this team, he's happy to ride the rough with the smooth and then come back swinging.

England are happy with that, and Brook still has two Tests remaining. If this has been his lottery series, it won't be a surprise if he cashes in just when the pot's at its biggest.