Dan Lawrence replaces Harry Brook in England Test squad to face India

It was confirmed on January 21 that Brook was returning home for personal reasons

Elizabeth Botcherby | 21/01/2024 at 10:22

Dan Lawrence has been named as Harry Brook's replacement in England's Test squad to face India.

It was confirmed earlier on January 21 that Brook was returning home for personal reasons.

While an initial statement from the ECB indicated the Yorkshire batter had withdrawn from the entire series, it is now understood he could return to India at a later date.

England currently have a Lions squad in India for a three-match red-ball series against India A, with top-order trio Keaton Jennings, Alex Lees and Josh Bohannon all impressing during the first unofficial Test.

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^{Lawrence has spent his winter on the T20 circuit [Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images]}

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^{Lawrence has played 11 Tests, scoring 551 runs and taking three wickets [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

However, they have instead opted for Dan Lawrence, who bats in a similar position to Brook and provides an additional bowling option with his right-arm off-spin. He has 20 first-class wickets at 43.60.

Confirming Lawrence's call-up, a post by England Cricket on X read: "Surrey's Dan Lawrence to join the England Men's Test squad in the next 24 hours."

The 26-year-old made 11 Test appearances for England between January 2021 and March 2022, scoring 551 runs at 29, including four half-centuries, and taking three wickets.

He featured three times during England's four-Test tour of India in 2021, scoring 149 runs at 24.83.

Lawrence was not included in the Lions squad, instead spending his winter on the T20 circuit.

He represented Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash and is currently in the UAE with Desert Vipers for the second season of the ILT20.

England squad for India Test series: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook (withdrawn, replaced by Dan Lawrence), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood

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