ICC World Cup 2023: England replace Jason Roy with Harry Brook in 15-man squad

England on Sunday drafted explosive batter Harry Brook into their squad for the ICC World Cup title defence that begins next month, leaving Jason Roy out of the final 15. Roy was part of the Eoin Morgan-led side that had won its maiden ODI world title in 2019, but will have to watch the Jos Buttler-led side defend the title in India thousands of miles away from the comfort of his home. Roy played more one-day internationals than any other England player since the 2019 title that he helped to secure with a pick up and throw for a run-out to ensure victory over New Zealand. However, doubts over the South African-born opener’s selection for the physically demanding 5 October-19 November tournament in India were fueled by a back injury which forced him to miss a four-match series this month against the Kiwis. Brook, a versatile batter who can open or bat lower down, had been a surprise omission from the provisional squad after impressing against Australia in the Ashes Test series in the English summer. But he had a poor ODI series against New Zealand, scoring 37 runs from three innings. “The strength of the group has meant that we have had to make some tough decisions on world-class players,” England selector Luke Wright said. England will travel to India with eight of the squad who won the title as the home team four years ago.

Our @CricketWorldCup 1⃣5⃣ 😍

Are we excited yet?! 😆#CWC23 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/u5FOly7rAk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 17, 2023

Additionally, star all-rounder Ben Stokes decided to come out of ODI retirement and join Buttler and Co in the defence of the title that he had played a major role in securing four years ago. Stokes, who has been leading a revolution in the Test format alongside red-ball coach Brendon McCullum, had struck an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand at Lord’s, rescuing the hosts from the jaws of defeat. The match eventually went into a Super Over after both teams finished level on 241, and the two teams ended up collecting 15 runs each in the tie-breaker. England eventually were awarded the title on the basis of a superior boundary count in the final, thus ending a 44-year wait to lay their hands on ICC’s most prized trophy. England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes. With inputs from AP