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Harry Brook was ridiculed by Ashes viewers after a 'brainless' decision resulted in his dismissal on the first day of the second Test. England got off to a nightmare start in Brisbane, losing two wickets inside three overs as they slipped to 5-2 after winning the toss. They nearly lost a third wicket shortly afterwards but managed to steady the ship with Joe Root joining Zak Crawley at the crease.

It proved a formidable partnership with the England duo putting on 117 until Crawley was dismissed for Australia's third wicket. Brook was the next batter up and only lasted 32 runs before he was caught behind by Steve Smith. He gave into temptation as he tried to drive it full and wide, but got his bearings wrong as Smith held on despite barely being able to see the pink ball under the lights.

Brook was blasted by England fans on social media, with many questioning his decision-making at such a crucial moment in his team's first innings.

@andrew_bartram wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "I love Harry Brook as a cricketer but FFS that is a brainless/awful shot just as we looked to be taking control. He has to learn at times it's OK to dig in."

Meanwhile, @ashclarke10 added: "Harry Brook is infuriating to watch. Buckets of talent but just wants to attack every single ball and throw his wicket away every single time."

@RalphBlackburn said: "Harry Brook hands all the initiative back to Australia with an absolute brain-dead shot to his first ball against Starc. Not taking any responsibility at all and dumping the skipper out under the lights."

@thegingerheed fumed: "Harry Brook, just because you've been given license to play however you want, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to play like a moron."

@cslfc95 summarised: "We have the game there and Harry Brook does that. Absolutely brainless yet again. Second best batsman in the world without a single brain cell."

Brook was clearly frustrated as he trudged off the field, spitting out his chewing gum and hitting it with his bat. England managed to get to the interval without any further wickets, heading for tea at 196-4.

Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, also struggled to defend Brook as he reflected on the dismissal on BBC Radio 5 Live.

He said: "Oh, Harry... The way England have played in the last hour has got them right in control and Mitchell Starc has been waiting to come on.

"Australia have waited and waited and within two balls, Harry Brook has played a monstrous drive and gifted Australia a wicket."