Michael Atherton pinpoints England's "real problem" ahead of the Ashes

19 February 2023 , 12:05

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Former England captain Michael Atherton (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Former England captain Michael Atherton has lauded Harry Brook after the 23-year-old continued his stunning start to life as a Test cricketer in the win over New Zealand, claiming his excellent form means the selectors will have a "real problem" ahead of the Ashes.

Brook made his debut against South Africa in September, replacing Jonny Bairstow after he broke his leg in three places in a freak accident while playing golf. Up until that point Bairstow had enjoyed a golden run of form, smashing 681 runs at an average of 75.66 in six Tests.

Since replacing him, Brook has enjoyed a remarkably similar run of form, scoring 623 runs at an average of 77.87 in five Tests. Coach Brendon McCullum has already said there is "no doubt" Bairstow will come straight back into the side as soon as he is fit and the 33-year-old is expected to be back in time for the Ashes.

However, Atherton believes Brook is "undroppable" given his recent form and with no other spots in the middle order available, England have a real selection dilemma on their hands.

"It's going to be a real problem for the selectors when everybody's fit and available," Atherton told Sky Sports. "Jonny Bairstow is back to doing some light training, when he'll be ready for selection who knows?

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"But given the summer he had last year, how do you fit him into the team given how Harry Brook has gone in Bairstow's absence? Brook is undroppable really, he's just won his third man of the match award after this game.

"He's had an incredible start to his Test career and he's one of the best young players in the world so he has to play [in the Ashes]. The bowling will take care of itself a little bit more because they've got five Tests against Australia in the best part of two months.

Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow have both starred at number five under England's new regime (PA Wire/PA Images)

"All the fast bowlers are not going to play in every one of those games. It's inconceivable that a 40-year-old like [James] Anderson could play five Test matches in eight weeks, it's probably the same for [Stuart] Broad and for the fast bowlers like [Jofra] Archer and [Mark] Wood.

"It's going to be less of a problem for the bowling, you want as many bowlers as possible to have fit and ready for selection. But the batting, unless there's an injury between now and then, is more problematic.

"I'm not sure which way the selectors go. But Harry Brook is just undroppable the way that he's playing at the moment."

Matthew Cooper