England 'incredibly led by Harry Brook' despite defeat to India in T20 World Cup semi-final after 'tough months' for white-ball captain

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Brendon McCullum said England have been "incredibly led by Harry Brook" during the T20 World Cup following a narrow defeat against India in the semi-finals. The England head coach said the white-ball captain "has been superb", having come into the tournament following a "couple of tough months". Brook had been heavily criticised for England's Ashes series in Australia, both on and off the pitch.

Every six as Brook blasts career-highest ODI score

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Brendon McCullum said England have been "incredibly led by Harry Brook" during the T20 World Cup following a narrow defeat against India in the semi-finals in Mumbai.

England were faced with a daunting target of 254 on Thursday but came close to snatching a famous victory, falling just seven runs short in a thrilling last-four contest.

McCullum’s side reached the semi-finals after finishing second in the initial group phase before winning all three of their Super 8 group games against New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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It has been a pleasing response for McCullum following a dismal Ashes series in Australia this winter, both on and off the pitch.

"Ripping game of cricket," the England head coach told Sky Sports after the defeat against India. "I don't know how many runs there were, over 500 or something?

"Chasing in excess of 250 on a ground like this, where you've got total Indian support, the toughness of the lads to still believe and take the game as close as they did, I'm incredibly proud of the lads.

"For a young group of players to have run India as close as that in such a hostile environment is an outstanding effort.

"Lots to be proud of, but naturally we're disappointed we're not going to have a chance to play for the trophy."

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McCullum was particularly impressed with Brook, whom he said had endured a "tough couple of months" leading up to this tournament.

England’s white-ball captain was heavily criticised after his involvement in an altercation at a nightclub during England's tour of New Zealand that preceded the Ashes.

Brook was reportedly punched by a bouncer the night before the third one-day international in Wellington on November 1, which England lost.

He was fined and given a final warning over his conduct as England succumbed to a bitterly disappointing 4-1 series defeat.

Brook has since admitted that other England players were present after initially telling the media he was on his own.

Captain Brook reaches quick-fire 50 with a six

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Following Thursday’s defeat, McCullum said: "There's a lot to look forward to. Harry Brook's leadership after a couple of tough months leading in.

"I think they've been incredibly led by Harry Brook in this tournament. He's grown as a leader.

"To be able to have the mental fortitude to galvanise a team and head towards what you're trying to achieve and connect the side in the way he has, has been superb."

Discussing the incident in Wellington, McCullum added: "Of course it is frustrating, but every team has these issues, just for some it is made more public than others.

"That was the situation for us. There will always be those challenges because you've got young athletes who are in high-pressure situations touring around the world.

"It is just about putting time between those situations, educating, assisting, protecting and supporting.

"As a coach, you're in the business of supporting men for life and that means there are going to be times when mistakes need to be learnt from.

"You are just there to provide a guiding hand and make sure they are not catastrophic mistakes."

'One of the most fun wins I've ever had' - Brook delighted after England seal series sweep

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However, there was a moment of disappointment for Brook in Mumbai on Thursday, dropping a crucial catch off Sanju Samson on 15, before the India batsman went on to crash 89 from just 42 balls as his side posted 253-7.

India, meanwhile, clinched victory with the help of two sensational catches from Axar Patel, first to dismiss Brook and then Will Jacks.

It meant that Jacob Bethell’s 105 from 48 balls was not quite enough, with the 22-year-old eventually run out attempting to close the gap in the latter stages of England’s innings.

Reflecting on the defeat, Brook told Sky Sports: "All of our lads should be extremely proud of the way that they played tonight and throughout this competition.

"I will hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping Samson because catches win matches - it's that old famous phrase.

"There was a little bit of poor execution here and there, so we probably didn't execute as well as we could've done. The Indian batters are some of the best in the world, so if you don't execute against some of them, then it goes out of the park.

"But we gave it a red-hot crack, and unfortunately, we were on the wrong side."

Asked about Bethell's performance, Brook added: "He was absolutely unbelievable. I think he's going to earn some serious money in his career and he will definitely have a long career with England.

"He has shown the world how good he is tonight. That innings is an extremely big positive to take from this tournament."

India advance into Sunday’s final, where they will face New Zealand, who hammered South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

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