He is such a high-class player – Michael Vaughan surprised at Harry Brook’s exclusion from England’s World Cup squad

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan is flabbergasted to note the omission of Harry Brook from England’s provisional World Cup squad. Brook could not get a place in England’s squad after Ben Stokes decided to play in the upcoming World Cup.

Stokes had called time on his ODI career in July 2022, claiming it would be unsustainable for him to play all three formats but reversed his decision in bid for the World Cup title defence.

On the other hand, Brook has played only three ODIs in which he has scored 86 runs at an average of 28.67 and a strike rate of 98.85. The 24-year-old youngster is known for his aggressive batting and has made a stellar start to his Test career.

Vaughan feels Brook would have been a better option than opener Jason Roy in the World Cup squad.

Speaking on BBC Two’s coverage of The Hundred, Vaughan said, “Harry Brook not being in that squad is remarkable. I know he’s only played three one-day games but I just think he is such a high-class player. Jason Roy did well in Bangladesh and scored a hundred, but if I was brutal Brook would come in for Jason Roy.”

Recently Jason Roy top-scored with 155 runs in three ODIs against Bangladesh. Furthermore, the right-hander played a key role in taking England to glory in the 2019 World Cup, scoring 443 runs at an impressive average of 63.28 and a strike rate of 115.36.

Vaughan added that Brook not in England’s squad tells us how strong is Jos Buttler-led team.

“You can argue that Harry Brook not being in the squad tells you how strong England are. Sometimes in sport, special talents come along and Harry Brook has got that gift. Whatever format he’s playing, I just think he’s such a wonderful player against seam or spin. If I were a betting man, I’d say he will be in India in October – and I don’t think it’ll be on holiday,” stated Vaughan.

England will take on New Zealand in the first T20I on 30th August at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.