Why Harry Brook has his work cut out for him as the new captain
After Jos Buttler left his captaincy for England’s white-ball cricket team, Harry Brook has taken over as the new skipper for One-Day International and T20I cricket. He has big responsibilities now, which he needs to perform well on, as he has to live up to being captain.
Brook has experience as the vice-captain for England’s ODI and T20 teams, so this is a natural step up for him. However, people within the English cricket system thought Test captain Ben Stokes was the best candidate.
Succeeding Buttler is a tough task
Now that Brook has taken over as the white-ball captain, he is under pressure to perform. Buttler had a rollercoaster run during his time as the skipper, but the successes were superb, leading England to an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory in 2022.
Unfortunately, that was their peak given that they struggled in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI format). The same went for their Champions Trophy run in 2025, as they lost to Afghanistan. This led to his prompt resignation, leading to Brook’s rise.
Now that Brook is the captain, he has the task of succeeding Buttler. While Jos disappointed fans due to the era after the ‘22 T20 World Cup, he still won a significant trophy. Brook has to match that success and even surpass that with his new role.
Brook must lead by example
The T20 World Cup will be played in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, which can be Brook’s golden opportunity. He will be the vocal leader, but also a strong batsman. He has a history of performing well, as proven by his match-winning century against Australia in 2024.
Not only that, but he was on the team that won the ‘22 T20 World Cup, so he has a pedigree as a champion. Even though he is only 26, he is ready to be the leader of England’s white-ball cricket team, given that he exited franchise leagues to focus on his new role.
Brook said, ‘It's a real honour to be named England's white-ball captain. Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team’.
Brook must prove he is the better choice over Stokes
Aside from handling the pressure of succeeding Buttler, Brook must prove that he is the better choice over Stokes. Many people within the England system wanted Stokes to take over as the captain, but Brook was the choice. As long as Brook performs well, he won’t need to hear about Stokes deserving the nod.
