In one of the more bizarre yet unforgettable moments from the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, Harry Brook left commentators and fans in splits with his unusual gum-chewing ritual. During a drinks break on Day 4, amid his aggressive counterattack, Brook casually took the chewing gum out of his mouth and tucked it behind his ear while hydrating — only to pop it right back in once he was done drinking water.
The quirky incident occurred during a critical juncture in the match, with Brook in full flow, building a massive partnership with Joe Root. The England batter’s antics were caught live on camera, prompting a hilarious exchange between commentators Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting.
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“That’s a new one, Ricky, that’s not his earring for sure — that’s his chewing gum,” quipped Ravi Shastri. Ponting responded, laughing, “Yeah, never seen that before. Surely he’s got a couple of other pieces somewhere, saving them for the rest of the day.” As Brook resumed chewing, Shastri added with a grin, “Out it comes, in it goes. Time to chew again!”
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While the chewing gum antics provided comic relief, Brook’s innings were anything but light-hearted. Walking in with England at 106/3 while chasing 374, Brook unleashed a fearless 111 off just 98 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and two sixes. His 195-run stand with Root took the game to the brink, putting India under serious pressure.
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Though Joe Root also scored a majestic hundred, it was Brook’s fearless strokeplay that rattled India. However, his dismissal in the third session opened the door just wide enough for India to claw back. England’s lower order failed to capitalise, and the hosts fell heartbreakingly short by seven runs, as India levelled the series 2-2 dramatically.
