In the ever-connected world of social media, England’s budding cricket star, Harry Brook, has taken a brave step by deleting his social media apps from his phone. The 24-year-old cricketer, who has shown immense promise in international cricket, believes that distancing himself from the virtual world has been instrumental in boosting his mental health and, consequently, his performance on the pitch.
Brook’s cricket journey has been nothing short of thrilling. From his stellar performances in Test cricket to clinching the T20 World Cup in November 2022, he had the cricketing world at his feet. However, the 50-over World Cup in October and November brought unexpected challenges, as he struggled to find his form, averaging just 28.16 as England made an early exit from the tournament.
Speaking about his decision to step away from social media, Brook said, “I’ve been off social media for a while now, anything I stumble across, I delete it from the phone. I haven’t really seen any negativity, I think that’s helped my game, helped my mental health and everything to be off social media and seeing all the negativity that brings.”
This move comes from a player who only had three one-day internationals under his belt before earning a spot in England’s World Cup squad, effectively sidelining opener Jason Roy. Despite the World Cup challenges, Brook displayed resilience, crafting a commendable 71 in England’s recent defeat by West Indies in the first of three ODIs.
In a bid to further enhance his performance and focus on his cricketing career, Brook has handed over control of his social media content to his management team. This strategic decision allows him to devote more energy and attention to honing his skills on the field.
Brook’s journey has also taken him to the glitzy stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he made his debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this year. Despite some initial struggles, he silenced critics with a remarkable 55-ball century. However, the IPL experience came with its own set of challenges, including online abuse.
Reflecting on his experiences in India, Brook admitted, “I was an idiot and I said that stupid thing in an interview which I regret a little bit. In India, you end up sitting in your hotel room, not much to do so I find myself just scrolling Instagram or Twitter or whatever and come across stuff you just don’t want to see.”
Brook has taken proactive measures to avoid such distractions, stating, “I thought it was the right idea to get off it. I’ve obviously still got Instagram and Twitter but thankfully I’ve got someone running it for me.”
With his sights set on the future, Brook is gearing up for the IPL auction on December 19, looking to secure a spot for the 2024 tournament. This commitment could lead to a packed schedule, with the ongoing white-ball tour of West Indies, a five-Test series in India starting in January, and the IPL expected to follow shortly thereafter.
While acknowledging the need for a break after the challenging World Cup campaign, Brook remains enthusiastic about his journey. He expressed, “I’m happy to be out here, to be honest. I feel like I’ve got some things I need to work on, especially in one-day cricket.”
Harry Brook’s decision to disconnect from social media highlights the growing awareness of the impact of online interactions on mental health and performance. As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, his journey serves as a reminder that taking care of one’s mental well-being is a crucial aspect of success in the world of professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cricket Performance
Q: Why did Harry Brook delete his social media apps?
A: Harry Brook deleted his social media apps to shield himself from negativity and improve his mental health, especially after facing challenges in the 50-over World Cup.
Q: How has Brook performed in international cricket?
A: Brook has shown promise in international cricket, with notable performances in Test cricket and winning the T20 World Cup in November 2022. However, he faced difficulties in the 50-over World Cup.
Q: What prompted Brook to make this decision regarding social media?
A: Brook made this decision after recognizing the negative impact of social media on his mental well-being. He found that distancing himself from online negativity helped him focus on his cricket game.
Q: What is Harry Brook’s approach to managing his social media content now?
A: Brook has handed over control of his social media content to his management team, allowing him to concentrate on his cricketing career and avoid distractions.
Q: What are Brook’s plans for the future?
A: Brook is preparing for the IPL auction in December and aims to secure a spot for the 2024 tournament. He has a busy schedule ahead, with ongoing cricket tours and commitments.
Q: How does Brook view the importance of mental health in professional sports?
A: Brook’s actions underscore the significance of mental health in professional sports. His journey serves as a reminder that athletes should prioritize their mental well-being for sustained success.
Q: What lessons can aspiring athletes learn from Harry Brook’s experience?
A: Aspiring athletes can learn the importance of managing social media, recognizing its impact on mental health, and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy balance while pursuing their sporting careers.
More about Cricket Performance
- Harry Brook: England batter deletes social media apps to help mental health
- England cricketer Harry Brook takes a break from social media
- Harry Brook’s profile on ESPNcricinfo
5 comments
brook’s journey is inspirin’, and it’s great he’s talkin’ bout mental health. young athlets gotta learn from him!
harry brook sure is makin’ the right move deletin’ social media. It’s a total distraction for athlets. he got a point focusin’ on the game!
social media can be a real drain. respect to harry brook for handin’ it over to his team. now he can focus on cricket and the IPL.
can’t wait for the IPL auction! brook’s got potential. hope he does well in the 2024 tournament!
wow, i dint kno harry brook had a tough time in that 50 over world cup. but deletin’ social media sounds like a smart choice. go brook!