Cricket News: If Harry Brook is selected in place of Jonny Bairstow for England’s pivotal Test against South Africa, Ollie Pope thinks the right-hander can translate his prolific county cricket form to the Test setting.
Brook, who made his England T20 debut in the West Indies in January, has played 12 innings with the bat for Yorkshire in Division One of the LV= County Championship in 2022, batting at an average of 107.44.
Due to Jonny Bairstow’s injury, Harry Brook now has the opportunity to make his Test debut. Fellow batter Pope, who shared the field with the former England U19 captain during age-group international cricket, has no doubt that the 23-year-old will have an effect if chosen for the third Test at The Oval.
“I’ve been on U19 tours with Harry, and I’ve played with him since I was 18 years old, and he’s a seriously good player,” Pope said.
“He’s obviously been in ridiculous form this year and he’s 100 per cent got the game to go out and take that into Test cricket as well.
“He’s got the mindset, he loves batting and he’s all cricket as well, so I’m excited for him if he does get that opportunity this week. He’s a top player and an exciting prospect.”
As a result of a bizarre leg injury sustained while playing a round of golf, Bairstow was forced to withdraw from the last Test of the three-match series against South Africa as well as the impending T20 World Cup.
The 32-year-old right-hander had been in outstanding form for England this season, and his 1,061 runs put him in first place overall in Test cricket in 2022.
Pope is convinced that the rest of the team can fill in for Bairstow even though he will be missed.
“It’s disappointing for us all,” Pope said. “A freak incident took place and he’s had an amazing summer.
“He’s been amazing to watch and he’s amazing around the lads, but it also provides an opportunity for whoever is coming in, so that’s an exciting chance as well.
“We’re going to miss him, but at the same time, we’ve got enough guys who’ve been around a long time to feed off each other. The energy has been so good around the lads as well, so I’m sure we’ll make up for his lost voice in the field as well.
“But it’s gutting he’s not here, it would be a great way for him to finish the summer as well after how he’s played, but we’ll make up for it, I’m sure.”
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