England have turned to one of their brightest young stars to lead their white-ball revival, with Harry Brook officially named as the new captain of the ODI and T20I sides. The 26-year-old steps into the role following Jos Buttler’s resignation last month, a move that came in the aftermath of England’s disappointing group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy.
England’s white-ball fortunes have taken a sharp downturn over the past year, and the youngster now inherits a side in desperate need of fresh direction ahead of a packed international calendar, including the next T20 World Cup.
Harry Brook’s appointment as the next England captain had been widely anticipated, particularly after he served as vice-captain during the winter tours and previously led the Under-19s at the 2018 U19 World Cup. He also captained England’s senior white-ball sides on a stand-in basis last year against Australia, marking the occasion with a memorable maiden ODI century in Durham.
Reacting to the announcement, Brook reflected on a lifelong dream coming true. “It’s an incredible honor to lead England in white-ball cricket,” he said. “Growing up playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I always dreamed of playing for Yorkshire, representing my country, and maybe one day captaining England. To be given that responsibility now is very special.”
Brook will be tasked with guiding England through a tricky limited-overs period. After holding both World Cups simultaneously in 2022, England have seen their dominance slip—crashing out early in the 2023 50-over World Cup, falling short in the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, and enduring a Champions Trophy campaign to forget with defeats to Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
With Ben Stokes considered unlikely to return to regular white-ball duty and Joe Root ruling himself out of captaincy contention, Brook emerged as the natural choice to take the reins.
Harry Brook’s first assignment as full-time England captain will be a home series against the West Indies in May, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is.
For England, this marks a new era in their white-ball journey—and all eyes will be on Harry Brook as he looks to steer them back towards the top of world cricket.