World Cup hopeful Jofra Archer faces a race against time after failing to make England’s ODI squad to face New Zealand – with Harry Brook upset at missing out to returning Ben Stokes

Jofra Archer faces a race against time to play a role in the World Cup after both he and Harry Brook – squeezed out by the return of Ben Stokes as a specialist batsman – were left out of England’s provisional 15-man squad.

Both men could still make the trip to India in October as two of the three traveling reservists. But the participation of Archer, who is still recovering from an elbow problem, would depend on a teammate being injured, with national selector Luke Wright suggesting that even a “best-case scenario” would see him compete in the later stages of the tournament .

Brook, meanwhile, is said to be upset about his omission as he had expected to build on a stellar first 18 months at international level by playing a major part in England’s title defence.

Wright admitted it was “as tough a decision as you’re ever going to get,” but said Stokes’ reversal of his one-day retirement had put a strain on the middle order.

“There’s no denying what a superstar Harry is and what a huge future he has with us in all forms,” ​​Wright said. “I’m sure he’s disappointed, but unfortunately someone will have to miss out in a selection of 15 men.”

Ben Stokes has retired after his over-50s to help England defend their World Cup crown

Brook has played just three one-day internationals, all in South Africa at the start of the year, when he hit 80 off 75 balls in his second outing, at Bloemfontein. But he’d turned down big money that month to play in South Africa’s new T20 league in a bid to focus on England, and he was all set to take his white-ball game to the next level.

The squad, led by Jos Buttler and originally named for next month’s four-match ODI series against New Zealand, is not due until September 5 at the ICC and can be changed at any time before September 28. also against New Zealand, is in Ahmedabad on October 5.

But Wright said even the extra wriggle room wouldn’t help Archer’s efforts to regain fitness. “There must be a duty of care for Jof,” he said. “Unfortunately we are running out of time, especially for the first part of the World Cup. We need to make sure we do well in the long run because we see him as a huge asset for a long time to come.’

As revealed by Mail Sport, Surrey’s unlimited fast bowler Gus Atkinson will head to India – one of six seam bowling options in the side, including three left arms in Sam Curran, Reece Topley and David Willey.

With England worried about some of the seamen’s injury history – not least Topley and Mark Wood – they decided to bolster their pace options rather than pick a third front-line spinner in Leicestershire teenager Rehan Ahmed , although he could also be one of the traveling reserves. . Liam Livingstone is also available for bowling.

As for Stokes, Wright said it had never been a ‘change of mind’ about his ODI retirement. “He was always interested in coming back,” he said. “He had to prioritize getting through the ashes, then resting the body and then he will make a decision.

Harry Brook was said to be upset after missing the ODI team on Wednesday morning

“If there’s ever anyone for the big moments, it’s Ben Stokes. He probably thinks it’s a last chance in the 50 overs to win it again. Who could be better for England to bring someone like him back for us?’

Asked if Stokes risked further damage to his left knee ahead of England’s five-Test series in India which starts at the end of January, Wright replied: “I certainly hope not, but at the end of the day it’s about winning a World Cup, isn’t it?” ? That is the most important thing ahead of us. You can always hold back for different series, but in the end it’s a World Cup and Ben wants to be involved.’

England’s likely opening pair will be Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy, with Dawid Malan in the squad as cover.

Meanwhile, Hampshire sailor John Turner was a surprise inclusion in England’s T20 squad, with the first of four matches against New Zealand starting on 30 August.