- Brook added to squad for New Zealand series
- Yorkshireman also included against Ireland
- Chance for middle order man to stake World Cup claim
In a move aimed at bolstering their batting lineup, England have included Harry Brook in their 50-over squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand. This decision grants the 24-year-old a valuable opportunity to further stake his claim for a spot in the World Cup.
Brook hits form to secure recall
Middle-order batter Brook was a surprise omission from England’s provisional 15-man World Cup group, squeezed out by the return from ODI retirement of Test skipper Ben Stokes. Brook’s omission from England’s initial one-day international squad for the New Zealand series raised eyebrows, making his subsequent call-up all the more significant.
His recent form has been a factor in his recall, he hit an impressive century in The Hundred, along with notable performances of 48 not out and 67 in the first two matches of the T20 series against New Zealand, which concluded just this Tuesday.
The selection comes in light of Jonny Bairstow nursing a shoulder injury and Dawid Malan’s impending absence due to his wife’s expected delivery in the coming weeks. Brook is also in the squad for the three-match series against Ireland that follows the series against the Kiwis.
Crawley to lead England in Ireland series
None of the 15 players in England’s provisional squad for the World Cup in India will feature against Ireland, with Zak Crawley to captain in the absence of regular white-ball skipper Jos Buttler.The Ireland series concludes on 26 September – just nine days prior to the much-anticipated World Cup opener against New Zealand on 5 October, and just two days before the final World Cup squad needs to be submitted.
Among the potential debutantes, Warwickshire’s Sam Hain, Surrey’s versatile wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, and Derbyshire’s promising bowler George Scrimshaw are in contention for their first caps.
With the final submission deadline for the World Cup squad set for 28 September, there remains a window of opportunity for players to vie for a coveted spot. Bettors looking to wager on the World Cup should assess the form of England, and their individual players. Brook’s omission and subsequent recall highlight the strength in depth which England have at the moment. Should the Yorkshireman be included in the World Cup squad, bettors need to assess his impact and decide whether they think that his presence increases England’s chances. At the time of writing, England are second favourites for the World Cup, behind India and ahead of Australia. Betway, at the time of writing, have India at 11/5, England 3/1 and Australia 4/1.
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