England captain Brook stresses fitness ahead of 2027 World Cup

England skipper Brook has said his side must become one of the fittest and strongest teams in the world before the Men's Cricket World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement on Friday.

The captain spoke after England took only one win from four games in the ODI Tri-Series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a run of results he said did not tell the full story.

"Obviously, whether you win or lose isn't always there," Brook said.

"You can guarantee the off-field preparation can be a lot better."

Brook said better preparation could help the team win games, and that the next 12 months offer time to focus on skills and lessons learned.

He said fitness would be central to England's bid to dominate the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Brook also gave an update on two players who have been out of the squad.

He said leg-spinner Adil Rashid had been training for a few days, was in good shape and was bowling well.

Rashid played only one ODI in the tri-series, with Liam Dawson chosen ahead of him more often.

Brook said those decisions were mainly based on conditions, and that England felt a left-arm spinner suited the pitches in Pakistan during the series.

Jacob Bethell, who injured a knee during England's ODI series against India, is returning from fitness work.

Brook said a decision on Bethell would be made with McCullum, England's white-ball head coach, and called him a very good player who could be vital for England.

England play three ODIs in Australia, starting with the first match in Perth on Nov. 13, followed by games in Adelaide on Nov. 15 and Hobart on Nov. 18.