Nasser Hussain Says 'One Shouldn't Write Off' Jason Roy; Confused About How England Will Adjust Harry Brook In XI

Former England cricketer Naseer Hussain talked about Harry Brook’s inclusion in the team for the ICC World Cup 2023 at the expense of Jason Roy in the team. He said that the opener didn’t lose his position due to form as it was all due to injury. 

Jason Roy was included in England’s provisional squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the final 15-member squad saw him getting omitted from the team and Harry Brook getting included into the team. There was a lot of fuss around when the young batter wasn’t named in the initial team. 

A patch of poor form along with injuries saw Jason Roy getting snubbed from the team. It was unfortunate for him as he has been England’s backbone at the top for the last few years. He was also one of the reasons why the team won the ICC World Cup 2019.

Harry Brook on the other hand is one of the best young players in world cricket as he has been consistently scoring runs in all three formats for the team. He has played just six ODIs so far and has smashed one half-century as well. However, in the pinnacle of the game. With what he has done across the World for England, he will be a vital cog in the team. 

Nasser Hussain believes that England are aware of their top six and highlighted that Jason Roy’s snub is more ruthless than chaotic. He hailed the batter as one of the greats of the country. Speaking to the mirror, he explained: 

“Not at all… I think they pretty much know five of their top six, to be honest. They still know it’s going to be Bairstow, Malan, Root, Buttler… it’s whether Harry Brook plays.

“They’ve obviously picked him, but how do they get him into the top six and have all their bowling options? They’re not quite where they were, but they’re certainly not 1999. 

“Certainly not chaotic, far from it. I think it’s more ruthless than chaotic. It was his position to lose, and he didn’t lose it through lack of form… he lost it through lack of fitness. Take nothing away from Jason Roy, he will be (remembered) as one our greatest ever white-ball cricketers.” 

I don’t think you should write off Jason Roy – Nasser Hussain 

Nasser Hussain highlighted the talent Jason Roy possesses, saying that he can score big hundreds and one cannot write him off.

He explained: “The other day here (at The Oval against New Zealand) when Stokes got his 182, they put up the list of highest scorers (for England). Roy was featuring on there.

“He can go nought, nought, nought – but then he’ll get you a massive 150 or whatever. It just shows the talent they have. They wanted Brook in the end, and the injury to Roy opened that door. I don’t think you should write off Jason Roy.” 

England squad for ICC World Cup 

Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes