Harry Brook only played six One Day International’s ahead of the World Cup, yet he was picked over vastly experienced Jason Roy in England’s squad, why?
It would not be hyperbole to state that Roy was crucial to England’s 2019 world cup win, he scored loads of runs and without him they looked significantly worse.
Since the World Cup Roy has also continued to be a consistent feature of England’s ODI setup, whereas Brook only made his debut this year and since has averaged just 21.
While Roy form in ODI’s has been average at best since the world cup (31.78), arguably its his form elsewhere that has cost him the chance in the team.
Since the last World Cup Roy has featured in every format for England, but he has since struggled in both test cricket and T20I’s having not appeared in either format for some time now.
While domestically Roy’s form hasn’t fared any better averaging just 17 in The Hundred this year striking at 128 and picking up the joint most ducks across the tournament.
Compared to Brook who had very different fortunes finishing The Hundred as the third highest runs scorer averaging just shy of 50 and striking just under 200 with the tournaments only century this year.
The Hundred is England’s franchise league giving it significant importance when it comes to all England squads with it being the highest level of domestic cricket in the country.
Including the fact that Harry Brook became one of the most expensive cricketers ever in the most recent IPL selling for 13.25 Crore in the IPL.
While the last T20 world cup featured Brook but not Roy, who seems to be slowly fazed out of England squads at the age of 33.
But Brook has of course made the biggest splash in Test cricket dominating the format averaging 62 having already got four centuries over the winter.
While test form seems to have more value in a one-day conversation when you score your runs at a 91 strike rate with 23 sixes.
Although Brook may not have proven much at all in List-A cricket with few game and mixed record, his talent is abundantly clear to the selectors.
Roy may have been crucial to England for many years, but they have the depth where they can immediately replace their stars if they struggle.
It may be the end for Roy’s career internationally as he has to make may for one of England’s brightest young stars, Harry Brook.
