England are set to begin a new chapter in Test cricket following the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes, who called time on international duty on Day 4 of the third Test against New Zealand. It is a leadership role now absent, England’s white football director Harry Brook He has emerged as the leader to beat Stokes.As England focus on the white-ball series against India, with five T20Is and three ODIs, starting with the first T20I today, Brook spoke about the possibility of becoming England’s next Test captain in a pre-match press conference.The 27-year-old admitted that leading England in the longest series would be the biggest honor of his career.“Look, it would be a privilege to do this, it would be a privilege to do that, to captain England in the highest form of our game, The pinnacle, I think it is. Playing Test cricket is the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s a dream and something I’ve wanted to do since I could speak. Look, it’s not up to me, that decision, but if it’s given to me then I’d be happy to take it,” Brook said. Although widely regarded as Ben Stokes’ second-in-command, Brook supported the ECB’s decision to hand the captaincy to Joe Root for the second Test against New Zealand following Stokes’ retirement, insisting it was the right call.“I think the decision that was made was the right one. Making Rooty captain last week was definitely the right decision. He has been there for the ECB all the time. He has been fighting for English cricket. He is, in my opinion, the greatest player to have played Test cricket. The ECB wanted him again that week and he stepped up,” he added. “My job that week was just to try and help him as much as possible. Many discussions: obviously we are in the first and the second, so we always talk about how we can have an effect on the game. But of course I feel that the ECB made the right decision,” said Brook.
India tour of England
| Equality | Dates | Place | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 and T20I | July 1, 2026 | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street | 10:00 p.m |
| 2 and T20I | July 4, 2026 | Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester | 7:00 p.m |
| 3 and T20Is | July 7, 2026 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 10:00 p.m |
| 4 and T20I | July 9, 2026 | County Ground, Bristol | 10:00 p.m |
| 5 and T20Is | July 11, 2026 | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 7:00 p.m |
| 1 ODI | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 5:30 p.m |
| 2 YES | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 p.m |
| 3 YES | July 19, 2026 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | 3:30 p.m |
