[WATCH] Harry Brook smashes Siraj for Pant-Like six before rain stops play

Harry Brook created a moment of pure magic on Day 2 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, as he swept Mohammed Siraj for a six while falling over, drawing immediate comparisons to the bravery and flamboyance of Rishabh Pant.

With England reeling at 242 for 8 in the 48th over, and with only an 18-run lead, Brook was now the only man standing at one end - it was wickets galore at the other end. Playing with considered aggression, and under no apparent pressure with the field now spread to fend off the runs, Brook picked his moments admirably to counterattack. The highlight came when he shuffled across the stumps and clubbed a glorious full sweep over deep fine leg from Siraj. The ball went into the crowd as Brook toppled over, much like Pant had done famously during his epic innings at Old Trafford in 2022.

The crowd erupted, and even Ben Stokes, watching like the rest of us in the dressing room, looked suitably impressed. Brook's intent was clear: he wanted to retain strike, shield the tail-enders, and increase England's lead. He turned down singles repeatedly, making sure that Josh Tongue faced as few balls as possible.

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Rain Stops Play Just as Brook's Brilliance Puts England Ahead

But just as momentum appeared to be building, the clouds rolled in. A spittle of rain began intensifying, forcing the umpires to call for covers and stop the game. "It might have just been a passing shower," said umpire Kumar Dharmasena, though the message from the ground is that rain should linger for nearly an hour.

Brook had just entered the block the rain, reaching an unbeaten 48 off 49 balls. He played a crucial innings, playing recklessly, but in a circumstance of high stress, with the Test match being tied with the series locked at 2-2. Golinger took one of several brave shots which might have brought England hope of a significant lead, but for now, it is The Oval weather that is front of mind.

With a lengthy play and World Test Championship points and series implications, every run and moment is illuminated. If the rain eases and play resumes (some hope), Brook's breathtaking shot will surely become a turning point.