An injury to Jonny Bairstow means Harry Brook could make his Test debut for England in the series decider against South Africa at The Oval; watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports from 10am Thursday
Harry Brook has been a prolific run-scorer in the county championship in 2022
Ollie Pope believes Harry Brook can bring his free-scoring form of county cricket to the test arena if the right-hander is named in place of Jonny Bairstow for England’s decider against South Africa.
Brook, who made his T20 international debut for England in the West Indies in January, has averaged 107.44 over 12 innings with the bat for Yorkshire in LV County Championship Division One = so far in 2022.
Jonny Bairstow’s injury has opened the door for Brook to make his test bow and fellow batsman Pope, who played international age-group cricket alongside the former England U19 captain, is in no doubt the 23-year-old can make an impact if he is selected for the third test at The Oval, which begins Thursday live at sky sports.
“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.”
Bairstow was ruled out of the final test of the three-match series against South Africa and the upcoming T20 World Cup after sustaining a freak leg injury while playing a round of golf.
The 32-year-old right-hander had been in stellar form for England this year, leading Test cricket worldwide in 2022 with 1,061 runs to his name.
Pope made no secret of the fact that Bairstow will be missed, but is confident the rest of the team can step up in his absence.
“It’s disappointing for all of us,” Pope said. “A freak incident took place and he’s had an amazing summer.
“It’s been amazing to watch and it’s amazing with the guys, but it also provides an opportunity for anyone who comes in, so it’s an exciting opportunity as well.”
“We’re going to miss him, but at the same time, we have enough guys that have been around for a long time to feed off each other. The energy has been so good between the guys too, so I’m sure we’ll make up for his loss of voice as well.” field.
“But it’s unfortunate that he’s not here, it would be a great way for him to end the summer as well after how he’s played, but we’ll make up for it, I’m sure.”
England head into the series finale against South Africa buoyed by an innings and 85-run win over the tourists at Old Trafford last time out.
That followed a 12-run innings loss for the hosts in the first Test at Lord’s and Pope is aiming for Ben Stokes’ side to ride the wave of confidence from that Manchester win into the decider.
“We have shown in the last two games that cricket is a fun game because it can move quickly and it can also be defined early in the game,” Pope said.
“It helps to win the last one and confidence is high amongst the guys. We’ve had a good summer so far so hopefully we can make it one more.” [win].”
