Harry Brook appointed as new England white-ball captain

Harry Brook has been named as England's new white-ball captain, with Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) team chief, praising his "excellent cricket brain." The 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman will lead both the One-Day International (ODI) and T20 teams, taking over from Jos Buttler, who stepped down in February following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan, where England failed to reach the semi-finals.

Brook, already a deputy under Buttler, was the clear favourite to succeed him. Under Buttler's leadership, England was unable to defend their T20 and 50-over World Cup titles. Brook had previously stepped in as skipper for an ODI series against Australia in September 2024.

Unlike several other potential candidates, Brook is a regular choice in all formats of the game. While there were concerns that his new role might impact his career as a Test batsman, England's director of men's cricket, Rob Key, had even suggested that Test captain Ben Stokes might take on the leadership of the shorter formats as well. However, Stokes, who is recovering from a second major hamstring injury, will now focus solely on preparing for the upcoming Test series against India at home and Australia away.

Stokes was quick to support Brook's appointment, tweeting: "Yes Brooky lad" in endorsement of the decision.

Brook, who has played 26 ODIs for England, has scored 816 runs at an average of 34.00, including a high score of 110. In T20 internationals, he has 44 caps with a highest score of 81. He was also part of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

On his new role, Brook said: "It's a real honour to be named England's white-ball captain. From playing cricket as a kid at Burley-in-Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and perhaps one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means so much to me."

He continued: "There is so much talent in this country, and I'm looking forward to getting started, leading us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups, and major tournaments."

Rob Key expressed his delight at the appointment, saying: "I'm delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England's white-ball captain across both formats. He's been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected."

"Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer, but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams. His leadership will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups, and major global events."

Brook will begin his tenure as full-time white-ball captain with an ODI series against the West Indies, which starts on 29 May 2025 at Edgbaston. This will be followed by a three-match T20 series.