England international Harry Brook withdraws from Big Bash to manage workload

Brook was due to play seven matches for Melbourne Stars after being selected in the first round of the Big Bash draft

Harry Brook has withdrawn from the Big Bash due to his "increased workload".

The 24-year-old was due to play seven matches for Melbourne Stars in between England's white-ball tour of West India (December 3-21) and a Test series against India (January 25-March 11).

The three-time finalists had used their first-round pick in the Big Bash draft to secure his services, with the England international listed among the players in the top price band.

^{Brook previously played for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash [Steve Bell/Getty Images]}

^{Usama Mir and Haris Rauf are the other overseas players in Melbourne Stars' squad [Getty Images]}

Brook previously represented Hobart Hurricanes in the 2021/22 Big Bash, scoring just 44 runs in seven appearances, but boasts a far better record across his T20 career, scoring 2,982 runs with a strike rate of 149.62 in 122 matches.

"Naturally we're disappointed that Harry has withdrawn from the BBL but we understand his decision with his increased workload," said Melbourne Stars' general manager, Blair Crouch.

"We obviously rate Harry extremely highly and we would have loved to have seen him at the MCG alongside Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis this summer."

The Stars, who finished bottom of the table in 2022/23, already have a replacement player lined up for the opening three matches, which Brook was set to miss due to international commitments.

His replacement will be confirmed over the next fortnight and will join Haris Rauf and Usama Mir among the Stars' overseas contingent.