Harry Brook was included in the England squad for the New Zealand ODI series
Arry Brook has been included in England’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand and named in an experimental group to face Ireland later this month as the defending champions consider rethinking their World Cup plans to accommodate the in-form batsman become.
Brook was controversially left out of the preliminary 15-man squad for the tournament last month and was therefore not expected to feature against New Zealand, with Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott looking to use a four-game run to fine-tune ahead of the tournament in India.
However, the 24-year-old has since demonstrated good form in both the Hundred and T20 series against New Zealand, prompting widespread calls for a rethink over his exclusion. Mott stressed after last night’s fourth T20 defeat at Trent Bridge against the Black Caps that the door to a late call-up for the World Cup was still open and while there was no guarantee that Brook would secure a seat on the flight to India but he is determined to get another chance to make his case when he joins the 50-over side ahead of Friday’s series opener in Cardiff.
His delayed call-up is officially being called a “batting cover” after Jonny Bairstow complained of shoulder soreness while batting in Nottingham last night, although the opener insisted afterwards the problem was nothing serious.
England have also named a 13-man squad for the three-match ODI series against Ireland later this month, with Brook returning and Test opener Zak Crawley named captain.
None of the 15 players named in the preliminary World Cup squad are involved, but Surrey’s Jamie Smith, Derbyshire’s George Scrimshaw and Warwickshire’s Sam Hain will all be called up to the senior squad for the first time.
Seamer Brydon Carse, who like Brook was called up as a late replacement for the New Zealand series but is not currently part of the World Cup squad, is also there, as is teenage spinner Rehan Ahmed, who took two wickets on his home debut in Nottingham last night and was touted for a possible World Cup reserve spot.
Crawley’s Test opening partner Ben Duckett has been named vice-captain after being left out of the four T20 games against New Zealand and there are further opportunities for players such as Luke Wood, Will Jacks and Phil Salt.
England squad against Ireland: Zak Crawley (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Sam Hain, Will Jacks, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, George Scrimshaw, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/harry-brook-england-new-zealand-b1105319.html Harry Brook was included in the England squad for the New Zealand ODI series
