England’s retiring Test captain Ben Stokes has backed white-ball captain Harry Brook to succeed him as the next Test captain. The veteran all-rounder named the Yorkshire batter as his preferred choice after playing his final international match against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Stokes ended his 15-year international career after England’s 160-run defeat in the third and final Test against New Zealand. Brook, who is already England’s white-ball captain, is the leading candidate to take over the Test team after serving as vice-captain in the red-ball setup.
There’s a Reason Why He Was Asked to Be Vice-Captain” – Ben Stokes Backs Harry Brook for Test Captaincy
Ben Stokes said that he was not involved in the decision to appoint former captain Joe Root as stand-in skipper for the second Test. Notably, Harry Brook was the designated vice-captain in the recent series.
“There’s a reason why he was asked to be vice-captain of this team. I know with all the controversy over the last couple of weeks, there were some decisions that were made, but those were decisions that I wasn’t part of making,” Stokes said.
Brook has emerged as the favorite to replace Stokes as England’s next Test captain. With Stokes ow retired from international cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to make a decision on the new Test captain before the team’s next assignment.
It’s a Natural Progression – Ben Stokes Backs Harry Brook to Replace Him
Ben Stokes said that Harry Brook is the right choice to become England’s next Test captain. He explained that promoting the vice-captain is the normal progression and pointed out that he also served as Joe Root’s deputy before taking over the role.
“You’re asked to be vice-captain of a team for a certain reason. I was vice-captain under Joe for a long time, and it’s a natural progression. If the captain’s not there or unavailable, then you step up to do that. So there’s absolutely no reason why Harry shouldn’t be asked to do it,” Stokes said.
I’m Throwing My 100% Support – Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes praised Brook’s leadership qualities and growing influence in the England dressing room. He said that the vice-captaincy showed the team’s faith in Brook and believes he has everything needed to lead England in Test cricket.
“He is someone who is obviously an incredible player and one of the more senior players in this group. Only time will tell, but you don’t ask someone to be vice-captain if you don’t think they’ve got the skills and the ability to captain the team when they need to. If I was asked who I think should do it, I’m throwing my 100% support behind Harry Brook,” Stokes added.
Brook became England’s white-ball captain in April 2025 after Jos Buttler stepped down. He has led the ODI and T20I teams, including at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Yorkshire batter is also one of the world’s leading Test batters and is currently ranked No. 2 in the ICC Test batting rankings, behind Joe Root.
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Author: Sai Vaitla
