England’s Bazball approach in Test series against India takes major hit as star batter returns home with immediate effect

England will miss the services of Harry Brook, one of the standout players of ‘Bazball academy’, for the upcoming five-match Test series against India. The two teams are set to clash in the crucial red-ball series starting from January 25 in Hyderabad. As revealed in a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday, Brook has withdrawn from the series due to personal reasons.

Brook was part of the England camp in the UAE, where the English side trained in simulated conditions of the subcontinent. The tourists are slated to arrive in Hyderabad on Sunday, January 21, ahead of the series opener. The ECB has confirmed that the star batter will not be returning to India, implying that he will miss the entire series.

“Harry Brook is set to return home with immediate effect for personal reasons from the England Men’s Test tour of India. He will not be returning to India. The Brook family respectfully requests privacy during this time. In light of this, the ECB and the family kindly request the media and the public to respect their wish for privacy and refrain from intruding on their private space,” read the statement.

ECB yet to announce replacement for Brook

The board is yet to announce Brook’s replacement, but his absence will surely hurt Ben Stokes and the Co. when they play against a formidable unit like India. Since his Test debut in September 2022, the right-hander has been a vital cog in England’s ‘Bazball’ set-up. Known for his aggressive batting, Brook can accelerate the innings with his stylish strokeplay.

The 24-year-old has amassed 1181 runs at an average of 62.15 with four centuries and seven fifties in 12 Tests. With England Test coach Brendon McCullum confirming that they will stick to their aggressive cricket, it will be interesting to see how they handle Brook’s absence. The cricket fraternity is eager to see how the ‘bazball’ performs in Indian spin-friendly conditions.

England squad for Test series against India: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.