Harry Brook who is tipped to be the next big thing in World cricket was ignored for the ODI WC 2023 squad. The dashing batter found it tough to find a place in the squad as Ben Stokes came out of retirement for the marquee championship. Harry Brook needs to get a significant score in the remaining 2 ODIs against New Zealand to make a case for himself.
Head coach Matt Potts along with skipper Jos Buttler would be concerned with the team’s performance who haven’t been consistent. The side has got a lot of firepower but they are failing in crucial stages of the match. We witnessed how the side lost the ODI series against South Africa and were outplayed in all the 3 facets of the game.
I couldn’t envisage a squad without Harry Brook- Michael Atherton
Michael Atherton was having an interaction with Wisden and was quite flabbergasted by the exclusion of Harry Brook from the provisional squad of ODI WC 2023. Atherton pointed out that his IPL debut may have counted against him and said that it’s quite tough to be an all-time format player.
“Like many people, I was surprised when he was left out. I couldn’t envisage a squad without Harry Brook actually, I think he’s an exceptional talent. Trying to understand the reason England have not picked him, it’s obviously a consequence of [Ben] Stokes’ return and the balance of the side,” said Michael Atherton.
“Maybe Harry Brook’s IPL form counted against him, he wasn’t particularly good apart from one hundred – and obviously the schedule has counted against him. If you’re an all-format player and you’re playing Test cricket and you’re playing in the IPL and the Hundred, you just don’t play many fifty-over games,” he added.
Steep Road ahead for England
It would be quite tough for Jos Buttler led side to defend the title as their track record since ODI WC 2019 isn’t promising. The sudden retirement of Eoin Morgan has not done any good to the team as there has been an added responsibility on Buttler.
England fans would be hoping that Ben Stokes can fill the void of Eoin Morgan. Ben Stokes perhaps will have to play the role of 6th bowler and the management would be considering using him as a pinch hitter as he has got a wide range of shots and at the same time, his experience would be invaluable in crunch situations of the match,