Harry Brook: England batter in line to make return to competitive cricket with Yorkshire, Joe Root to play

Harry Brook is set to make his return to competitive cricket as soon as next week, when the 2024 County Championship season gets underway.

The batter has not played since England's white ball tour of the West Indies just before Christmas.

He was due to take part in the ongoing Indian Premier League, but pulled out of the tournament following the death of his grandmother.

However, he is in line to feature for Yorkshire in their curtain-raiser against Leicestershire at Headingley, which starts on April 5.

Head coach Ottis Gibson had previously said it would be "special" to have the 25-year-old will be available for selection, and he has now been made available for the first five red ball fixtures of the campaign.

Seven days later, the batter could be joined in the line-up by another international star when the White Rose take on Division Two counterparts Gloucestershire at the County Ground in Bristol.

Gibson has revealed Joe Root could feature in the game, after the former England captain missed out on a deal for the 2024 IPL.

He is on a central contract with his country, who will allow him to play in five of the first seven County Championship fixtures.

Root has not represented Yorkshire since 2022, the same season in which Brook put together a sensational run of scores to force his way into the England team.

"It’s massive for us," an excited Fin Bean, who opens the batting for the White Rose, told the club's website.

"I’ve not seen Rooty since I signed my first deal here (in mid-2022). To have him around to play a huge chunk of games is fantastic.

"I haven’t played a first-team game with Brooky either. I’m looking forward to it.”

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