Jofra Archer was shocked to learn Harry Brook was not selected for England’s 50-over World Cup team.
In preparation for their ODI series against New Zealand, which will also compete in the World Cup, England picked a 15-man squad on Wednesday.
Ben Stokes, the team’s Test captain, rejoined the group after ending his ODI retirement, although Brook was not included.
With four hundreds and seven fifties in 20 Test innings, Brook has had an incredible start to his international career. He also helped England win the T20 World Cup at the end of 2022.
The 24-year-old was a regular contributor with four fifties in the last four Tests, despite failing to score his first Ashes hundred in the recent tied series against Australia.
When he learned of Brook’s exclusion, Archer, who was also left off of England’s World Cup roster after experiencing a new injury setback earlier in the year, joined Sky Sports’ coverage of The Hundred.
When asked about the biggest surprise from the announcement of the England squad, women’s captain Heather Knight responded, “I don’t think Harry Brook.
He has certainly been in excellent form and has had a fantastic start to his international career, but there are just too many players to get into that team. It may get challenging.
The Hundred competition was then brought up, and Archer was asked for his thoughts, but he was obviously distracted by the Brook news.
He apologised, “I want to go back to that.” I didn’t even realise Brooky wasn’t present, she said.
Yes, um… Could you repeat that, please? I’m just a little confused, so could you repeat the question, please?
Luke Wright, the national selector for England, acknowledged that leaving Brook out was a “incredibly difficult” choice.
The former England all-rounder remarked that it was the hardest decision he had ever had to make.
He is without a doubt someone we hold in the highest regard. However, the middle order was going to be squeezed with Stokesy’s return, which made it extremely difficult.
Jos Buttler’s team, who won the 50-over cricket global championship on home soil in 2019, will aim to defend their global Cup trophy in India later this year.
Up until September 28, England’s roster is still subject to change, but save for injuries, they are expected to continue with this 15-man bunch.
Even in the best-case situation, Archer will only be healthy for the second part of the competition, thus Brook and Archer may go as backups.
The 28-year-old bowled England to victory in the World Cup championship super over, but ever since that summer, he has struggled with injuries.
Wright continued, “There has to be a duty of care with Jof.” “We all know how desperate we are to have him, but we also have to do the right thing for him,” someone said.
He has suffered terrible luck with his wounds, therefore we must do it correctly. Despite the temptation to hurry him in so he will be there for the start of this World Cup, we will just be out of time.