London, Sep 17: Defending champion England replaced Jason Roy with Harry Brook in its Cricket World Cup squad on Sunday despite having included the opening batter on a 15-man provisional list last month.
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 Roy’s selection for the physically demanding October 5-November 19 tournament in India were fuelled 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. (AP)
