In a significant move, Harry Brook has been named England captain for their upcoming ODI series against Australia. The middle-order batsman was elevated as skipper after Jos Buttler was ruled out due to a calf injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news, making this Brook’s first opportunity to lead the senior national team.

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Brook, a former England U19 captain, made his ODI debut in 2023 and has since played 14 matches for the national side. He steps into this new leadership role as England prepares for a tough series against their long-standing rivals, Australia.

Why is Harry Brook leading the squad?

With Jos Buttler sidelined due to an ongoing calf injury, Brook’s promotion to captain marks a pivotal moment in his international career. Although he has shown promise in limited-overs cricket, Brook’s ODI statistics have yet to fully reflect his potential.

The 25-year-old right-handed batter has accumulated 407 runs since his debut. His most recent ODI appearance was back in December 2023 against the West Indies.

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Buttler, who has been struggling with his calf since the start of the T20 series, was unable to recover in time for the Australia ODI fixtures. The ECB remains hopeful that the regular white-ball captain will return fully fit for upcoming tours.

What changes have been made to England’s Squad?

England’s squad has undergone further adjustments with 20-year-old pacer Josh Hull being ruled out due to a quad injury.

Hull, who recently made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, was initially slated for the ODI series but will now rest ahead of the Pakistan tour next month.

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All-rounder Liam Livingstone has been recalled to replace Hull, following his standout performances in the ongoing T20 series against Australia.

Full England Squad: Harry Brook (captain), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, John Turner.

When and where is the series taking place?

The five-match ODI series will begin at Trent Bridge on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 05:00 pm IST.

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• Schedule:
  • 1st ODI: Thursday, 19 September, Trent Bridge
  • 2nd ODI: Saturday, 21 September, Headingley
  • 3rd ODI: Tuesday, 24 September, Seat Unique Riverside
  • 4th ODI: Friday, 27 September, Lord’s
  • 5th ODI: Sunday, 29 September, Seat Unique Stadium

This ODI series will provide a crucial test for Captain Harry Brook as he looks to lead England against a formidable Australian side.