Harry Brook is making an undeniable case for inclusion in England’s Cricket World Cup 2023 squad. In the second T20 match of the series against New Zealand, Brook’s explosive 67 off 36 balls, coupled with Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 86 off 60, powered England to a formidable total of 198-4, securing a convincing 95-run victory in Manchester. This win put England 2-0 ahead in the series, following Brook’s standout performance in the first T20 with an unbeaten 43 off 27 balls.
Brook’s exceptional performances in The Hundred and the shorter formats are a strong response to being omitted from England’s provisional 15-man squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India. England’s selectors favored other middle-order batsmen for their versatility, with Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone offering various skills. However, Brook’s recent form is making a compelling argument, and there’s still time for selectors to reconsider as the final squad submission deadline is September 28.
During the match, Brook smashed five sixes and five fours, forming a destructive 131-run partnership with Bairstow for the third wicket, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers struggling. Bairstow contributed with four sixes and eight fours, while Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler also contributed with big hits.
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In response, England’s debutant pacer, Gus Atkinson, made an immediate impact by dismissing Devon Conway (2) with only his fourth delivery in international cricket. Sam Curran removed Finn Allen, and Brook took crucial catches near the boundary to dismiss Glenn Phillips (22) and Mark Chapman (15). Daryl Mitchell’s first-ball dismissal signaled the tourists’ demise as they were bowled out in just 13.5 overs, effectively ending their chances of winning the series. Tim Seifert top-scored for New Zealand with 39 off 31 balls, while Atkinson recorded impressive figures of 4-20, the best T20 debut performance by an England player.
The next T20 match will be held at Edgbaston on Sunday, and both teams will also play four ODIs this month as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.