The 25-year old Harry Book has been named the captain of England cricket team for the upcoming 5-match ODI series against Australia which is going to take place from 19th September to 24th September. This decision has been announced on the account of the permanent captain Jos Buttler’s right calf injury which has not been recovered yet. Harry Brook was also appointed as the deputy of Ollie Pope in the home test series against Sri Lanka, where Ben stokes was not available Due to Injury.
Buttler also heaped praises on Harry Brook. He said that it is a great opportunity for Brook to lead the side. He added that Brook has all the things aligned to be a good captain. He also opened up on his injury. He said that he himself is also feeling shameful for missing out on international matches, but he does not want to hurry up things. Buttler wasn’t seen in action since England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against India in June.
This decision also concludes that the English team is exploring other long-term options for the captaincy spot in the future, and Brook can multiply his odds for the future leadership spot by performing well in the series as a captain as well as a player. Although Brook has led the junior team of England in the Under19 Cricket World Cup, this will be the first time when he will be leading the main national side. Despite having a young age, Harry Brook has earned his spot in the national team and is a crucial part of England’s “Bazball” approach. In just 18 matches, Brook has scored 1558 runs at an average of 53.7 and at a brisk strike rate of 86.8.
Jos Buttler’s injury has also opened the doors for the England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who was earlier omitted in the squad for the ODI’s. His performance in the recent ODIs series against Australia, where he ended up as the highest run scorer of the series, has also played a crucial role in his selection for the ODI team. He scored 124 runs in just 2 matches. Not just his batting, Livingstone shone with his bowling too. He bagged five wickets in the series at a cheap economy of 6.33 and an average of 7.60.
ECB has also confirmed that the left-arm seamer Josh Hull, has also withdrawn from the series due to a quad Injury.
