Ashes 2023: Win at the Oval would give England a moral victory, says Harry Brook ahead of 5th Test

England’s attacking batter Harry Brook feels a win at the Oval would give the home team a moral victory against Australia in the Ashes. Leading by 2-1, Australia retained the Ashes after the fourth Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester ended in a draw as rain played spoilsport.

England will look to draw the series at Kennington Oval, London whereas Australia will aim to win their first Ashes series on English soil since 2001. In fact, England had leveled the series at the Oval, London in 2019 by winning the final Test by 135 runs.

Meanwhile, Harry Brook played a match-winning knock of 75 runs in the second innings of the third Test match at Leeds, Headingley. Brook also added a crucial alliance of 59 runs with all-rounder Chris Woakes to help the hosts get close to the target of 251 runs.

“We were dominating the game last week so if the game had played out, I would like to think we would have won. So if we can win this week, yeah it can be a moral victory. It never seems to be sunny there. There isn’t much to be said, but this week we will go out there, play the same way and try to get a victory,” said Brook ahead of the fifth Test match.

Brook added the weather is not in their control and shared his disappointment after the fourth Test ended in a draw.

“You can’t do anything about the weather. We were dominating and had it played out, I am sure we would have won. But the rain won last week,” Brook added.

Meanwhile, the youngster has amassed 271 runs in four matches against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, at an average of 38.71. Brook said he has learned a lot of things by taking part in the oldest Test series rivalry.

“There are so many things I have learnt this series and to play some of the best bowlers in the world, I haven’t got a big score but feel I have contributed in a few games now. I know I am at my best when I am trying to be positive, not just trying to survive,” said Brook.

The fifth and final Test match will be played at Kennington Oval, London from July 27.