Matthew Mott, the England cricket coach, has hinted at the possibility of Harry Brook making England’s World Cup squad, leaving the door wide open for the talented player.
However, Mott has intriguingly suggested that Brook’s next appearance in cricket may occur during the ODI series against Ireland later this month, rather than in the upcoming games against New Zealand.
Brook’s Omission and Strong Case
Last month, England announced a 15-man squad for the New Zealand series, with national selector Luke Wright indicating that this same group would head to India for the World Cup, barring any last-minute changes due to factors such as injuries.
Harry Brook, a standout performer in international cricket over the past year, caused controversy by not being included in that squad.
He has since bolstered his case with an impressive display of form in both The Hundred and England’s T20 series against New Zealand, which concluded with a 2-2 draw after the tourists’ six-wicket victory at Trent Bridge.
Provisional Squad and September Deadline
Coach Mott clarified that the squad named last month remains provisional, with teams allowed to make alterations until the ICC’s deadline on September 28.
When asked about Harry Brook’s chances, he affirmed, “Yes, it is open for him.
“He is among several players with an opportunity to prove themselves.”
Mott emphasized the importance of players making a statement when omitted from a squad, citing Brook’s impressive performances in the T20 series and his century in The Hundred as favorable indicators.
He emphasized that the final squad composition remains a topic open to debate, with the next month expected to see high-quality cricket that may influence the selection.
England’s Upcoming ODI Series
England’s preparations for the World Cup are intensifying as they shift their focus to 50-over cricket, commencing a four-match ODI series against New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday.
Notable names like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes are set to return to a full-strength side for these matches.
However, Harry Brook is not part of this group.
A Hint at Ireland Involvement
When pressed about the possibility of Brook’s late inclusion, Mott suggested that the young Yorkshire batsman might feature in the subsequent three ODIs against Ireland.
It is expected that England will name a developmental side for the Ireland series, considering that their first World Cup warm-up match takes place in India only four days later.
Mott expressed confidence in Brook’s potential, describing him as a “gun player” and one of the best players of his generation.
The complexity of selecting a 15-player squad for the World Cup was acknowledged by Mott, who emphasized that it’s not solely about picking the best players but also considering various scenarios and possibilities.
The final selection, he revealed, will be made after observing how the upcoming series unfolds, concluding with an encouraging message: “So yeah, stay ready!”
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