Harry Brook added to England squad for New Zealand ODIs; Zak Crawley named captain for Ireland series

England have made a late addition to their ODI squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand by including middle-order batsman Harry Brook. The decision to bring Brook on board is seen as a strategic move to bolster England’s batting lineup as they prepare to face the formidable Blackcaps in a four-match ODI series.

The first clash of this much-anticipated series is scheduled to take place in Cardiff on Friday (September 8), setting the stage for an exciting contest between the two cricketing giants.

Brook’s inclusion in the squad has been labeled as ‘batting cover’ for the series against New Zealand. Furthermore, he has also earned a spot in the second-string England squad for the upcoming ODI matches against Ireland. The Ireland series holds special significance as it will mark the captaincy debut of Zak Crawley, who is set to lead the England side in three ODIs at home.

Harry Brook can still make it to England’s ODI World Cup squad

Brook’s journey to the England team is noteworthy, considering he was not initially selected for the New Zealand ODIs and couldn’t find a place in the provisional ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 squad. However, the young batter has left a strong impression on the selectors with his recent performances in the T20Is against New Zealand. In the four T20I matches, Brook showcased his prowess by amassing 122 runs at a striking rate exceeding 154, proving his ability to adapt to the shorter format.

Also READ: England coach Matthew Mott clarifies controversial ODI World Cup 2023 squad exclusion of Harry Brook

With aspirations of representing England in the upcoming CWC in India, Brook will have a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression during the forthcoming ODIs against New Zealand and Ireland. As the deadline for finalizing the squads for the marquee event approaches on September 28, Brook will be keen to make the most of his chance and stake his claim for a spot in the World Cup squad.

Revised England squad for New Zealand ODIs:

Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Harry Brook (batting cover)

England squad for Ireland ODIs:

Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley (c), Ben Duckett (vc), Sam Hain, Will Jacks, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Phil Salt, George Scrimshaw, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

Also READ: Ravi Shastri shares his verdict on India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023

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September 07, 2023 at 12:32PM