'Absolutely flabbergasted': Archer, Pietersen in disbelief as England drop Brook for WC23

The selection committee of the England and Wales Cricket Board headed by former cricketer Luke Wright made many surprising calls while announcing England's provisional squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 and ODI series against New Zealand. The squad saw the inclusion of all-rounder Ben Stokes, who overturned his ODI retirement decision after having talks with England's limited overs skipper Jos Buttler. At one end Stokes made it to England's ODI squad, but young batter Harry Brook was snubbed from the team. 

3 things you need to know 

• England will play the opening match of the ODI World Cup against New Zealand on October 5, 2023
• The match will be a repeat of the ODI World Cup 2019 Final 
• England are the current champions of the ODI World Cup 

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Jofra Archer and Kevin Pietersen question ECB over Harry Brook's snub from the team's ODI squad 

(English cricket team batter Harry Brook during the T20I series against Pakistan / Image: AP)

English cricket team fast bowler Jofra Archer and former England batsman were shocked seeing the snub of young batter Harry Brook from the team's provisional ODI World Cup 2023 squad and ODI series against New Zealand. While speaking to BBC Archer said: 

I didn't even realise that Brooky was not there... that's just got me a bit stunned. 

On the other hand, Pietersen in a conversation with Sky Sports opined: 

I'm absolutely flabbergasted that he cannot make it to England's World Cup squad, flabbergasted. Because he is just pure quality, I just cannot believe it. 

Stokes' inclusion boosts England's chances of defending ODI World Cup title 

The English cricket team has begun their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup and the inclusion of Ben Stokes in the squad will certainly increase their chances to defend the title. Stokes also played a vital role in England's maiden ODI World Cup win in 2019. 

Ben Stokes played an innings of 84* runs in the final of the tournament and kept his team alive in the run chase. At last, the scores were levelled after the end of both innings and it pushed the match into a super over. However, the super-over also ended in a tie, due to which the winner was decided on the basis of the boundary count. With England hitting more boundaries in the match than New Zealand, the three lions ended up lifting the trophy for the first time.