Harry Brook pulls out of India Test series: Details here
In a shocking development, England batter Harry Brook has pulled out of the squad for the upcoming Test series against India, citing personal reasons. According to the ECB's press release, the Brook family has requested privacy from the media regarding his cause of returning home. Overall, it is a big blow for England as they have named Dan Lawrence as his replacement. Here's more.
ECB released a statement regarding Brook's unavailability
"Brook is set to return home with immediate effect for personal reasons from the England Men's Test tour of India," read the official statement. "The Brook family respectfully requests privacy during this time. In light of this, the ECB and the family kindly request the media and the public to respect their wish for privacy and refrain from intruding on their private space."
Brook may return for the rest of the India Tour
As per an ESPNcricinfo report, there is a possibility of Brook returning to the England squad for the limited overs series that follows the five-match Test series. The 24-year-old is a vital cog for England in all three formats of the game.
Fastest to complete 1,000 Test runs by balls faced
Brook scripted history during the third Ashes Test in Headingley (2023) as he became the fastest batter to complete 1,000 Test runs in terms of balls faced. He achieved the feat in 1,058 balls, breaking the previous record held by NZ's Colin de Grandhomme who achieved it in 1,140 balls. Tim Southee is third with 1,167 balls. Brook completed his feat in 17 innings.
A look at Brook's Test numbers
Since making his Test debut in 2022 against South Africa, Brook has been a mainstay for the Three Lions in the middle order. He has amassed 1,181 runs from 12 Test at an impressive average of 62.15. The youngster has maintained a sensational strike rate of 91.76 in the longest format of the game. Brook has hammered four centuries and seven fifties.
Who will bat in Brook's position?
England may deploy Jonny Bairstow as a specialist batter in Brook's place and also play Ben Foakes as their designated wicket-keeper, something that they prefer on Indian conditions. Lawrence, who was Brendon McCullum's preferred backup batter during the last Ashes, can play the same role as Brook in the middle order. He also adds up as a spin-bowling option.
A look at England's squad for India Tests
England have named four spinners in their Test squad against India. Unfortunately, Brook misses out on the five-match Test series. England's Test squad versus India: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Joe Root, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes (wicket-keeper), Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, and Mark Wood.
Here's the schedule for the five-match Test series
Here's the schedule for India's five-match Test series against the Three Lions: 1st Test: India vs England, January 25-29, Hyderabad. 2nd Test: India vs England, February 2-6, Vizag. 3rd Test: India vs England, February 15-19, Rajkot. 4th Test: India vs England, February 23-27, Ranchi. 5th Test: India vs England, March 7-11, Dharamsala. All five matches will start at 9:30 AM IST.
