England star Will Jacks opens up on life under captain Harry Brook as Surrey all-rounder enjoys new finisher role
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- Will Jacks has already shown he can adapt to the match situation in No 7 position
- The 26-year-old supported Joe Root with aplomb to put England 2-0 up in series
- England play their final ODI against West Indies on Tuesday before three T20s
Will Jacks plays his first one-day international at his home ground of The Oval on Tuesday content in his new role as England’s finisher.
Jacks, 26, has re-emerged as an international cricketer at No 7 under new captain Harry Brook, having previously featured in the top three in 34 of his initial 36 white-ball appearances.
So far, so good. Having belted a pedal-to-the-floor 39 in the opening match against West Indies, helping England reach 400 for the sixth time in ODIs in the process, he reduced tempo in the series-sealing second in Cardiff on Sunday, supporting Joe Root’s career-best unbeaten 166 in a decisive stand of 143.
Elaborating on the switch, following his 49 from 58 balls, Jacks said: ‘I’ve known Harry for a very long time. We played England Under-19s cricket together almost a decade ago.
‘When he mentioned this role to me, it came quite comfortably, and easy. Once we had spoken about it and I knew I had that trust, I thought a bit about how I want to play it.
‘Obviously, I know I can hit at the death if needed to, and from my experience up top, I can do what I did here. It’s just adjusting to the situation and making good decisions.’
Jacks will be afforded a similar mandate in England’s Twenty20 team for the three matches against the Windies that follow, as they attempt to continue the early momentum of Brook’s reign — one that began with a ranking as low as eighth in ODIs.
‘This is Harry’s team now. We know that. His message is just about bringing a lot of energy to the team,’ the Surrey all-rounder added.
'Yes, it’s a fresh start with a new captain, but you don’t want to completely change everything. It’s just about adding small pieces and that’s what we’re trying to do.’
