Harry Brook has been appointed as England’s new white-ball captain, with team chief Rob Key commending his “excellent cricket brain”.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Monday that Brook would lead both the one-day international (ODI) and T20 teams.
The 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman was the frontrunner to succeed Jos Buttler, who stepped down in February following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan that saw England fail to reach the semi-finals.
England failed to retain both their T20 and 50-over World Cup titles under Buttler’s captaincy.
Brook had already served as Buttler’s deputy and filled in as skipper during an ODI series against Australia in September.
Unlike several other potential candidates, Brook is also a first-choice selection across all formats of the game.
Concerns had been raised about the potential impact on Brook’s Test career had he been appointed as the white-ball captain.
England director of men’s cricket Key had even suggested the possibility of Test captain Ben Stokes taking over as captain in the shorter formats during a press conference at Lord’s last month.
However, 33-year-old all-rounder Stokes is currently recovering from a second significant hamstring tear within six months and will now be able to focus solely on preparing for upcoming red-ball series at home against India and away against Australia.
Brook has played 26 ODIs for England, scoring 816 runs at an average of 34.00, with a highest score of 110. In T20 internationals, he has earned 44 caps and achieved a top score of 81.
He was also a member of the England squad that triumphed in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain,” said Brook.
“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. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.”
He added: “There’s so much talent in this country, and I’m looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups and major events.”
Key commented: “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 that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments.”
Brook will commence his tenure as full-time white-ball captain with an ODI series against West Indies, beginning at Edgbaston on May 29. This will be followed by a three-match T20 series.
