Brook stresses the value of fitness on road to CWC27

England enter the away ODI series against Australia after  a disappointing ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where they took only one victory from four games.  

England's recent results haven't been encouraging, but Brook's perspective goes beyond the results, with the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup less than an year away.  

"Obviously, whether you win or lose isn't always there. You can never guarantee that, but off the field... you can guarantee the off-field preparation can be a lot better." Brook stated about recent performances.  

"That can really help towards winning games.

"With the World Cup 12 months away, it's a good period now to really start to try and nestle down, hone in on the skills and the lessons that we've learned,".

The England skipper stressed that improving fitness will enhance his side's chances to compete at the upcoming Men's Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. 

"The key thing is to try and be one of the fittest and strongest sides in the world, to be able to try and dominate throughout that competition (World Cup)."

Brook provided updates on recent absentees from the squad, Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell, who could potentially make a return and strengthen their chances Down Under.

"He's been training the last few days. He's good. He's bowling nicely," Brook noted about leg-spinner Adil Rashid.  

Rashid, an experienced name in the outfit, featured in just a single ODI during the recently concluded tri-series, with Liam Dawson regularly opted over him.

But as per Brook, England remained open on playing the spinner.

"The decisions to not play him have been typically conditions based. We felt that left-arm was more suitable to the conditions in Pakistan as we saw throughout the series generally."

On the other hand, Bethell returns after having suffered a knee injury during England's ODI series against India. 

"That's a conversation for me and Baz [Brendon McCullum, England's white-ball head coach] to have down the line," Brook said when asked about Bethell’s return. 

"He's [Bethell] obviously just coming back from fitness now. He's a very good player and could be a very vital player for us moving forward."

Australia v England fixtures:

1st ODI: 13th November, Perth
2nd ODI: 15th November, Adelaide
3rd ODI: 18th November, Hobart