Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen have backed Harry Brook for a spot in England’s eventual World Cup squad.

England left Brook out of their squad for the upcoming World Cup in India, leading to widespread debate around his place.

England announced their provisional squad for the World Cup on August 16, which included the returning Ben Stokes, who reversed his ODI retirement to play in the tournament. Stokes’ return partly played a role in Brook’s omission as the selectors chose Dawid Malan and Liam Livingstone over Brook.

However, following Brook’s incredible century in the Hundred on August 22, the fastest in the history of the competition, voices around his inclusion in the side have found prominence once again.

Michael Vaughan wrote: “Harry Brook is different class .. My guess is he will end up at the World Cup,” while Kevin Pietersen, who has already voiced his opinion in favour of Brook, posted, “My view – Harry Brook will play in England’s first game at the CWC!”

Harry Brook is different class .. My guess is he will end up at the World Cup .. #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) August 22, 2023

My view – Harry Brook will play in England’s first game at the CWC!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) August 23, 2023

The World Cup regulations allow teams to make changes to their provisional squads until as late as September 27, and the final 15-member squad needs to be submitted by September 28. Thus, were England to have a change of mind, they still have around a month to replace someone in the squad with Brook.

Pietersen had earlier spoken to Sky Sports on Brook’s omission: “I’m absolutely flabbergasted that [Brook] cannot make England’s World Cup squad because he is pure quality. I just cannot believe it.”

Jofra Archer, another member who has not made it to the main squad for the World Cup, echoed Pietersen’s sentiments while speaking on BBC Sport during the Hundred: “I didn’t even realise that Brooky was not there. Yeah um… sorry, can you say that again? It’s just got me a bit stunned.”

While disappointed at missing out, Brook intends to take it in his stride and move forward: “Obviously it’s disappointing but I can’t do anything about it now. You’ve just got to move on. I’m trying not to think about it anymore.”

England’s next ODI assignment is a four-match series against New Zealand starting September 8. Their World Cup campaign starts against the same team on October 5, the very first day of the tournament.

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