Harry Brook Appointed as England's New ODI & T20I Captain

Harry Brook has officially been named as England’s new white-ball captain in both T20 and ODI formats, following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down after a poor run at the ICC Champions Trophy. England crashed out in the group stage without a single win, and the fallout has led to a new era under the 26-year-old Yorkshireman.

Brook will kick off his captaincy stint at the end of May with a home series against the West Indies, which includes three ODIs and three T20s. He’s no stranger to leadership, having been England’s white-ball vice-captain for the past year and leading the side in five ODIs against Australia last September when Buttler was unavailable. “It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain,” Brook said. “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.” 

Brook has been a rising force across all formats since his 2022 debut, and he’s currently ranked No.2 in the world in Test batting, just behind Joe Root. His 317 against Pakistan in Multan remains a standout knock, and his leadership credentials go back to captaining England’s Under-19s. While England’s calendar is packed, and Brook’s role as a three-format player raises questions about long-term sustainability, he was always the obvious pick. His decision to skip the IPL this year – pulling out of a Delhi Capitals contract for the second year in a row – also hinted at his growing commitment to England duties. “England is my priority and focus,” Brook had said. 

With few other candidates seriously in the frame – Ben Stokes was briefly considered, but he's still recovering from hamstring surgery and had previously retired from ODIs – it felt like Brook’s time had arrived, even if a bit earlier than expected. “He’s got an excellent cricketing brain,” said Rob Key, England’s director of men’s cricket. “This opportunity has come slightly earlier than we thought, but Harry is ready.” 

Brook has already shown his potential with the bat in white-ball cricket. He averages 34 in ODIs with a top score of 110 from 26 matches, and has played 44 T20Is, including being part of the team that won the T20 World Cup in 2022. Now, the real test begins as he leads England into a crucial year across ODIs and T20s. 

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