Yorkshire batsman Harry Brook enters the squad in place of the injured Jonny Bairstow as England aim to seal a series victory over South Africa; watch the third Test at The Oval live on Sky Sports from 10am Thursday
Harry Brook (left) replaces Jonny Bairstow for the third Test
Harry Brook will make his Test debut in England’s series decider against South Africa at The Oval.
The right-hander comes into the squad in place of fellow Yorkshireman Jonny Bairstow, who was ruled out of the third Test and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup with a freak injury sustained on the golf course.
Brook, who made his T20 international debut during England’s tour of the West Indies in January, is set to bat at five in the order the hosts aim to secure a series victory.
“I really want to go out there and see him play this week, but he deserves his chance,” England captain Ben Stokes said.
“I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that he will be someone who represents England in all three formats for a long time.
“It’s exciting to see him get his chance this week with the Whites.”
The 23-year-old currently has a 107.44 batting average for Yorkshire in County Championship Division One this season and is a former England U19 captain.
He has been backed by fellow batsman Ollie Pope to take that form in the Test arena and has now been given a long-awaited opportunity after spending much of this summer with the England team.
“I’ve been on U-19 tours with Harry, and I’ve played with him since I was 18, and he’s a really good player,” Pope said.
“He’s obviously been in ridiculous form this year and he’s got 100 per cent of the game to go out there and bring that to Test cricket as well.
“He’s got the mentality, he loves to bat and he’s all cricket as well, so I’m excited for him if he gets that chance this week. He’s a great player and an exciting prospect.”
The inclusion of Brook in place of the injured Bairstow is the only change to the team following the 85-run, innings victory over South Africa at Old Trafford in the second Test.
England’s win would close out a series victory over South Africa, having drawn it 1–1 with that victory in Manchester.
Alex Lees (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham, captain), Ben Foakes (Surrey, goalkeeper), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire ) ), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire).
