Harry Brook steps up as England's new white-ball captain

In early 2025, Harry Brook was appointed as the new captain of England's T20 and one-day international cricket teams. This decision came after Jos Buttler resigned from his role following a disappointing Champions Trophy tournament, during which England was eliminated in the group stage without winning a match. Brook, who turned 26, is set to lead the team starting in late May with a series against the West Indies, comprising three One Day Internationals and three T20 matches, broadcasted on Sky Sports Cricket. Prior to this role, Brook gained limited captaincy experience, having led England in a five-match ODI series against Australia the previous September, in which the team lost 3-2. Despite the loss, he received recognition for his calm leadership and tactical understanding. Brook is already a prominent player in England's setup, having debuted in January 2022 and accruing a significant run total in both ODIs and T20s. His reputation continues to grow as a top-class batter, evidenced by his participation in the team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022. Rob Key, the managing director of England men's cricket, expressed confidence in Brook’s potential as a leader, valuing not only his cricketing skills but also his strategic mindset. Former England captain Eoin Morgan also commented positively on Brook's capabilities, implying that he might be the appropriate long-term choice for the leadership position, given the pressure of the role did not seem to affect Brook negatively during previous matches. The decision to not appoint Ben Stokes, widely considered the best leader in English cricket, was made to prevent additional burdens on him amidst his already demanding responsibilities. The cricketing community is keen to observe how Brook will unfold this new chapter in his career, especially in the face of challenges from aspiring cricketing nations like the West Indies. This appointment signifies a shift towards nurturing new talent in leadership roles within England's cricket, allowing seasoned players like Stokes to focus on their game without added pressures of captaincy. Brook’s initial impact as captain will be under examination in his upcoming matches, as the England team aims to turn around its fortunes in the international arena.