Harry Brook moves one step closer to being included in England’s World Cup squad after being called up to cover the one-day series against New Zealand in a late turnaround
- Harry Brook was included in England’s 17-member party for the upcoming series
- A minor injury to Jonny Bairstow allowed England to include Brook in the group
- He now has an early chance to prove his World Cup credentials
Harry Brook’s inclusion in England’s World Cup squad has moved a step closer after he was belatedly called up to cover the four-day one-day series against New Zealand that begins in Cardiff on Friday.
Brooks’ inclusion in the 15-man side, which is not due until September 28, has been inevitable since he played match-winning hands in the two T20 victories over the New Zealanders at Chester-le-Street and Old Trafford. .
But a minor injury to Jonny Bairstow, who suffered pain in his right shoulder after making 73 in 41 balls in Wednesday night’s T20 defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge, has allowed England to include Brook in a squad of 17 man for the ODIs.
With Moeen Ali’s wife due to give birth in about a week, Brook will likely get an early chance to prove why he should be on a plane to India for the World Cup, which starts on October 5.
Earlier in the day, Brook was expected to miss the New Zealand series, provided he was picked for the subsequent three-match ODI series against Ireland – which ends on September 26, two days before the selectors must decide to finish World Cup 15. laps.
Harry Brook has been called up as cover for England’s one-day series against New Zealand
Brook’s inclusion in the World Cup squad seems inevitable after recent impressive performances
But debate over Brook’s place in England’s one-day plans has been chaotic since national selector Luke Wright announced the 15 chosen for the New Zealand series were all but locked in for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Zak Crawley has been named captain for the Ireland series, starting at Headingley on September 20, with his Test opening partner Ben Duckett, vice-captain in a 13-man experimental squad, which includes none of the 15 originally for the World Cup were mentioned. .
Of the 13, only Brook and Durham’s fast bowler Brydon Carse are likely to get into the World Cup party.
The squad for the Ireland games also includes Warwickshire batsman Sam Hain, Surrey bighitter Jamie Smith and Derbyshire fast George Scrimshaw – all without cap.
An injury concern for Jonny Bairstow opened the door for a late turnaround for Brook
Meanwhile, Bairstow believes England will be able to draw on their experience from their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign as they look to defend the trophy in India.
Named Player of the Series on Tuesday night after adding a 41-ball 73 to the 60-ball 86 not out he made in Manchester, Bairstow played a pivotal role four years ago as England won their last four games and lifted the trophy in waited. centuries in the group wins India and New Zealand.
“We can fall back on some tough experiences during that match. It was not just a piece of cake: four of the last four games had to be won to win the competition.
“Everyone wants to go back-to-back. It’s something you dream about. But we have no illusions that it will be very tough in India.’