Brook on Test captaincy, batting and Wellington
In a parallel universe, this week is Harry Brook's first as England's new Test captain.
There are numerous reasons why it will be Joe Root, rather than Brook, leading England into a new era against Pakistan at Headingley: the timing of Ben Stokes' retirement, Brook's workload as white-ball captain and Root's surprise willingness to resume the job among them.
Inescapably, there is also what happened during the winter, when Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand.
In June, Brook said it would be an "honour" to be asked to succeed Stokes. Almost two months later, he does not know if the Wellington incident has cost him the top job, at least for now.
"I dunno," he tells BBC Sport. "I honestly don't know. I don't really look at it like that.
"The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I'm actually really excited to see what he can do. He's definitely the right man to take over that job. I'm really looking forward to working alongside him."
For some, Brook became the poster boy of everything they disliked about the Bazball era, both for what happened off the field and for the way he plays the game on it.
At this point, it's probably worth noting that no man has scored more international runs across formats since Brook made his Test debut in 2022. Of all players to have batted at least 20 times in Test cricket for England in the past 60 years, no one has a higher average than Brook's 53.04.
Brook has occasionally done himself no favours, but there is also something uncomfortable about the narrative that surrounds the 27-year-old, especially in a sport that struggles with elitism.
He often speaks about how he is living his dream – his parents have told him he has been talking about playing for England since he uttered his first words.
But not everything about playing for England is a dream. Scrutiny, criticism and the court of public opinion. Brook had the lot after the Wellington misdemeanour became public knowledge.
"It was a tough period, especially when I was at home, getting ready to face the media," he says.
"I feel like the character that I showed throughout that period to go out there and still perform and lead the white-ball side fairly well – I was proud of myself and the team.
"I don't want to say it's helped me, but it's made me realise how big it is to be England captain. It's not just the leadership on the field. It makes a massive difference if you can lead with responsibility off the field."
