Harry Brook has been added to England’s squad for the four ODIs against New Zealand in a boost to his chances of playing at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Brook was originally excluded from the squad for the four-match series, which doubled as England’s provisional Cricket World Cup squad, but has since gone on an extraordinary run of form to maintain the debate over his omission.

The 24-year-old is considered one of the most talented young batters in world cricket, but has played just three ODIs, with his Test commitments largely making him unavailable for selection. Dawid Malan, who provides top-order cover, and Liam Livingstone, who offers a spin-bowling option, are among those selected ahead of him, with Ben Stokes’ ODI unretirement leaving no space for another middle-order batter.

Brook has since made a century in The Hundred and played two blistering innings in England’s T20I series draw with the Black Caps to press his case. Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott, England’s captain and head coach, have each stressed that the squad picked is provisional, and Brook has received support from many corners, including current England players Jofra Archer and Moeen Ali.

According to the short ECB release confirming his addition to the squad, Brook is to serve as “batting cover”. Jonny Bairstow did not keep in the final T20I due to a shoulder niggle.

Brook is the second addition to the 15-strong squad since it was named, with Durham’s Brydon Carse also earning a call-up after impressing in the T20Is.

The series begins in Cardiff on September 8.

England squad for New Zealand ODIs: Jos Buttler (c), Gus Atkinson, Dawid Malan, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Brydon Carse, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran.

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