ENG vs AUS: Mark Waugh Calls For Harry Brook's Inclusion In Playing XI Amid England's World Cup Struggles

Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has responded to Kevin Pietersen’s comments about England’s team selection for the ICC World Cup 2023. Mark Waugh agreed with Kevin Pietersen’s statement, stating that Harry Brook should have played in every match.

Harry Brook was part of the England playing XI for the four matches in the tournament. The right-handed batter scored 128 runs in four games at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 109.40. However, he was left out of the lineup as the team changed its combination.

Jonny Bairstow Doesn’t Look Fit And Stoke Not Fully Fit – Mark Waugh

In response to Kevin Pietersen’s tweet on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mark Waugh said that he couldn’t understand why Harry Brook was initially left out of the squad.

“For what’s it’s worth Brook should definitely have played every game can’t believe he was left out of the squad in the first place. Bairstow doesn’t look fit and Stokes not fully fit. Seems a big reliance always on Stokes to pull out the miracle,” Mark Waugh tweeted.

For what’s it’s worth Brook should definitely have played every game can’t believe he was left out of the squad in the first place. Bairstow doesn’t look fit and Stokes not fully fit. Seems a big reliance always on Stokes to pull out the miracle.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) October 31, 2023

Harry Brook initially missed selection in England’s provisional squad for the 2023 World Cup. However, the young batter made the cut on the final roster, replacing Jason Roy. He registered scores of 25, 20, 66, and 17 in the four matches during the tournament.

Jos Buttler Should Be Up The Top – Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen stated that Dawid Malan should be dropped from England’s team and that Harry Brook should play in the remaining matches. Pietersen emphasized that Jos Buttler should open the innings in place of Malan.

“When I was asked who I’d drop from England’s team when I said Brook should have been in, I said Malan. I stand by that even more now. Buttler should be up the top, Malan shouldn’t be playing and Brook has to start EVERY SINGLE GAME!” Pietersen tweeted.

Notably, Dawid Malan is England’s top run scorer in the ongoing ICC event. The left-handed batter has scored 236 runs in six matches at an average of 39.99. He scored 140 runs off 107 deliveries against Bangladesh, contributing to England’s 137-run victory.

Also read: Stunned Mark Waugh Questions Michael Vaughan’s Sanity After Latter’s Bold World Cup Prediction