Harry Brook is relishing the prospect of England’s big names adding momentum in the build-up to the first ODI against New Zealand.
Joe Root and Ben Duckett are in line to return for the series opener at Mount Maunganua for the final match of a tour that Brook says has been “amazing” for the team.
The weather has affected the T20 series between the two sideswith England winning the only game to make it a 1-0 series win, but Brooke feels it has given a good boost to a team with several senior players returning for ODIs and an Ashes campaign on the horizon.
“There will be a few changes to the team, a few big names coming back and hopefully we can get off to a good start on Sunday and continue the momentum going forward,” Brook said.
“We tried to have a lot of fun off the field to help us have fun on the field. This tour has been amazing for us as a group.”
The three-ODI series continues a busy period for England, who have a whitewashed tour of Sri Lanka immediately after the Ashes in Australia, followed by the T20 World Cup, but Brook feels the balance and depth of the squad means they can continue to build momentum throughout the winter.
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Harry Brooke hopes England can win the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2010-11.
“It’s disappointing to play just one game but we had an amazing game that night. It’s good momentum going into the T20 World Cup,” Brook said after the third T20 washout in Auckland.
“I think we’ve got a beautiful balance in the side, great depth in the batting and then some extremely skilled bowlers who can close out games. So I feel like we’re in a really good, strong position.”
Luke Wood is looking for his first ODI appearance in almost two years when England play New Zealand at Mt Maunganui on Sunday
Wood is determined to continue to push for a place in the team
Luke Wood is determined to enjoy his last life in England and hopes his special role will make him more likely to keep his white spot.
The left-arm swing bowler was out of contention until he was recalled to the T20 side in June and has since played in eight of their nine games, although England have rarely had all their fast bowlers available.
Wood accepts his role remains unclear, but the 30-year-old now feels more part of the team with the threat he offers, especially with the new ball.
“Since I’ve been back, I’ve probably felt like I have a more defined role than last time,” Wood said. “Where I sit in the pecking order, I couldn’t tell you.”
It was difficult when I was out of the team. Because I’m not necessarily the youngest player, part of me felt like the chance was gone, but there’s always that glimmer of hope in the background.
“Being left-handed, you never feel completely out of it. But when the call came this summer, it was probably a bit more of a surprise. Since then, I’ve been trying to act differently than last time.
“Last time I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, while this time I’m just trying to enjoy it.”
Kyle Jamieson played IPL cricket for the Punjab Kings this summer but will not play for New Zealand against England
Jamieson will miss the ODI series when Williamson returns
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of New Zealand’s ODI series with England with hip stiffness, but former captain Kane Williamson is back after not playing since the Champions Trophy final defeat to India in March.
“Kyle experienced some stiffness in his hip after bowling today and we didn’t want to take any chances at this stage of the summer,” coach Rob Walter said.
“We felt it was best for him to sit out this one-day series and give himself the best chance of being fit for the West Indies tour starting on November 5 in Auckland.”
Williamson brings a wealth of experience, having captained New Zealand in 41 of his 105 Test appearances as well as 91 of his 173 ODIs, but when asked about his plans beyond the upcoming season, he said: “Not (looking) too far ahead. In the back of my mind is probably the ODI World Cup. I always have good things in Tests.
“Really, it’s a little bit about what I want and a little bit more about what the team wants and where it’s going and what we’re kind of buying into.”
New Zealand – England – white ball schedule
All times Great Britain and Ireland
- First T20 (Christchurch): The match has been suspended ☔🤦
- Second T20 (Christchurch): England won by 65 runs
- Third T20 (Auckland): The match has been suspended ☔🤦
- First ODI: Sunday 26 October (01:00) – Mount Maunganui
- Other ODIs: Wednesday, October 29 (01:00) – Hamilton
- Third ODI: Saturday, November 1 (01:00) – Wellington