Harry Brook made his comeback to competitive cricket following a hiatus due to personal reasons by achieving an unbeaten century off 69 balls.
The 25-year-old withdrew from England’s tour of India and subsequently the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the illness and demise of his grandmother, with whom he shared a close bond.
Brook’s 12th first-class century, against Leicestershire at Headingley, comprised 14 boundaries and two sixes, marked by a moment of reflection as he removed his helmet and raised his bat skywards.
Yorkshire declared upon his reaching the milestone to secure bonus points before the match concluded in an inevitable draw.
Brook entered the crease in the first over of day four, after the lunch break, and promptly exhibited his class, adjusting to the pitch conditions adeptly.
Taking guard beyond his popping crease to counter any seam movement, he confidently faced the bowlers. His first delivery of the season was carefully negotiated, nudged for a single on the leg side.
He quickly settled, executing a flawless drive for a boundary off his second ball. This starkly contrasted with George Hill's mistimed shot earlier in the over.
Despite the sluggish pitch, Brook exhibited remarkable fluency. He dispatched Scott Currie for consecutive sixes and Tom Scriven for three consecutive boundaries. Meanwhile, his partner Adam Lyth reached his century at a more measured pace.
Brook, who had withdrawn from the IPL for similar compassionate reasons, showcased some of the shots he had displayed during his previous century in the IPL. His fifty came off just 35 balls, albeit against a Leicestershire seam attack that fell short of international standards, supplemented by England’s Rehan Ahmed's wrist spin.
Approaching his century, Brook faced a moment of tension as Yorkshire lost two quick wickets to Ben Mike, a former Yorkshire player now with Leicestershire. Despite the pressure, Brook remained composed, reaching 98 with a boundary off Salisbury.
He completed his century in style, displaying excellent balance and timing. This innings, tailored for Yorkshire in Division Two, hints at the potential for Brook to achieve similar feats at the international level, perhaps even breaking records for England's fastest Test century.