Here’s The Reason Why Harry Brook Is Not Playing Today’s Match 25 Against Sri Lanka

The 25th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 features defending champions England squaring off against Sri Lanka at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams are eager to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the semifinals. Jos Buttler, the captain of England, has won the toss and elected to bat first. England’s lineup has undergone three changes, with Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone taking the places of Reece Topley, Gus Atkinson, and Harry Brook. Sri Lanka, in contrast, has made two alterations to their side, including Angelo Matthews and Lahiru Kumara

Jos Buttler, the captain of the team, made it clear that England has decided to bat first. He expressed his confidence in the pitch, describing it as good with a slight dryness. Buttler acknowledged that the team hasn’t been performing at their best, but they’ve engaged in discussions and now it’s time to deliver on the field.

Buttler emphasized the importance of maintaining a level-headed approach as a group, despite the frustrations stemming from their recent performances. He believes in the team’s quality, both individually and collectively, and stressed the need for contributions from every player in the team.

“We are going to bat first. Looks a good wicket, little bit drier but we will look to put up a good score. We have been short of our best, we have done enough talking and it is about performing. We have stayed very level as a group, there is some frustration around for not playing as well as we could but there is quality in the team indivdually and collectively. Throughout the team (there needs to be contributions). We have three changes – Topley has returned home with a broken finger, Woakes, Moeen and Livingstone come in. Atkinson misses out, Brook is out and we have changed our combination.”

Why is Brook not playing?

In terms of changes, England made three adjustments to their lineup. After dropping Livingstone and Moeen Ali after initial few matches, they are back to their orginal combination. Harry Brook thus had to be left out of the team. With this combination, England will look to find their mojo back. 

Reece Topley had to return home due to a broken finger. Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone are the players coming into the team, while Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, and Jonny Bairstow have been excluded. England has also made alterations to their combination as they seek to turn things around in the competition.

Probable XIs

England: Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Jos Buttler (c & wk), David Willey/Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes/Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha/Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

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