I can’t see Harry Brook getting into World Cup squad, says Eoin Morgan

Harry Brook. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The ODI World Cup 2023 is right around the corner; the marquee tournament is all set to begin on October 5, and the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) recently came forward to announce their provisional squad for the upcoming tournament.

As the squad was announced, it came as a big shock to many that youngster Harry Brook was not included in the lineup. Being 24 years old, Brook has well established himself as one of the biggest prospects in world cricket, and with his record across formats, he was not included in the provisional squad.

It could be due to the decision of all-rounder Ben Stokes to reverse his retirement to compete in the World Cup that Brook missed out on the squad. Former English skipper Eoin Morgan was of a similar opinion. Morgan stated that he could not fit Brook into the squad no matter what, and that is what happens when a team has depth in its lineup.

“In really good teams that have a lot of talent, but mainly a lot of success, there are really good players that miss out. When I look at the squad that has been selected, I can’t get Harry Brook into that squad. Simply because the return of Ben Stokes adds another middle-order player. Without him bowling, you do need a top-order player as a genuine replacement if somebody in the top order goes down,” Eoin Morgan told SkySports.

Furthermore, Morgan also highlighted the importance of the bowling attack and how the need for an extra spinner will be covered by an extra batter.

“You need two seamers and an extra spinner, which they have cover for, but an extra batter in amongst that, I just can’t fit Harry Brook in, which is amazing to say,” he added.

It is worth noting that England will kick off their World Cup campaign by taking on the 2019 World Cup finalists, New Zealand. The two sides will face each other in the first game of the competition at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5.