Jofra Archer was ‘stunned’ to discover Harry Brook has been left out of England’s squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup.
On Wednesday, England named a 15-man squad for next month’s ODI series against New Zealand that will also play in the World Cup.
While Test captain Ben Stokes returned to the squad after ending his ODI retirement, there was no place for Brook.
Brook has enjoyed a sensational start to his international career, scoring four centuries and seven fifties in 20 Test innings and helping England win the T20 World Cup at the end of 2022.
While the 24-year-old failed to make his first Ashes hundred in the recent drawn series against Australia, he was a reliable contributor with four fifties in the last four Tests.
Archer, who has also been left out of England’s World Cup squad after suffering a fresh injury setback earlier in the year, appeared on Sky Sports’ coverage of The Hundred when he learnt of Brook’s omission.
Asked what the biggest surprise was from England’s squad announcement, women’s captain Heather Knight said: ‘No Harry Brook I think.
‘He’s obviously a form player that’s had an amazing start to his international career, but someone’s got to miss out and there’s so many players to fit into that squad. It can make it tricky.’
Archer was then asked for his thought’s on The Hundred competition but was clearly side-tracked by the Brook news.
‘Sorry, I want to go back to that,’ he said. ‘I didn’t even realise that Brooky was not there.
‘Yeah um… sorry, can you say that again? It’s just got me a bit stunned, can you repeat the question please?’
England national selector Luke Wright admitted it was an ‘incredible tough’ decision to leave out Brook.
‘It’s as hard a decision as you’re ever going to get,’ the former England all-rounder said.
‘There’s no doubting he’s someone we couldn’t think any more highly off. But it’s just that middle order with Stokesy coming back, that it was going to squeeze – it made it incredibly tough.’
Jos Buttler’s side will attempt to defend their World Cup trophy in India later this year after becoming world champions in 50-over cricket on home soil in 2019.
England can still tinker with their squad up to September 28 but, barring injuries, they are expected to stick with this 15-man group.
Brook and Archer could travel as reserve players, though even in the best case scenario Archer will only be fit for the second-half of the tournament.
The 28-year-old bowled England to victory in the World Cup final super over but has been plagued with injury problems since that summer.
‘There has got to be a duty of care with Jof,’ Wright added. ‘We know how desperate we all are to have him, but we’ve also got to get it right for him.
‘He’s been very unfortunate with these injuries, [so] we do have to get it right. As much as the temptation is to try and rush him in and get him in for the start of this World Cup, unfortunately we’re just going to run out of time.’
MORE : England captain Ben Stokes ends ODI retirement to play in the World Cup
MORE : Michael Vaughan takes parting shot at Australia after England draw Ashes
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