Brook: England Test captaincy would be an honour

Harry Brook says England Test captaincy would be 'great honour' after Ben Stokes' retirement: 'It's something I've always wanted to do' Harry Brook has declared he is willing to take on the captaincy of England's Test side after Ben Stokes' shock retirement; "It's something I've always wanted to do. The decision isn't up to me, but if it was offered to me I'd be happy to take it," he said Tuesday 30 June 2026 16:01, UK Harry Brook has said it would be a "great honour" to take on the captaincy of the England Test side after Ben Stokes' abrupt retirement from international cricket. Brook, England's Test vice-captain and white-ball skipper, was overlooked for the captaincy for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval in the aftermath of the nightclub incident that saw Stokes stood down. The England hierarchy turned to former Test captain Joe Root for that match, although Brook said that was "the right decision" at the time. However, the 27-year-old Yorkshireman would now relish the opportunity to lead England across all formats if he is chosen to succeed Stokes as Test skipper. "It would be a great honour to captain England at Test level. It's something I've always wanted to do," Brook said. "The decision isn't up to me, but if it was offered to me I'd be happy to take it. - Stokes backs Brook - but who should be England's next captain? - Bazball burns where it was born as England enter uncertain future - Listen to our pundits on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast - Stream England cricket and more without a contract on NOW "It would be a tough job [across all formats], but everything is tough in cricket. It's a hard sport and I've committed completely to England. I don't want to play franchise cricket apart from The Hundred. Everything I want to do is to play cricket for England." Stokes has also identified Brook as his natural successor. "I like trying to be fearless and putting pressure back on the opposition," Brook said. "But the decision isn't up to me." He added: "I love working with [Brendon] McCullum. He's an unbelievable coach." England vs New Zealand results - First Test (Lord's) - England won by 115 runs - Second Test (The Kia Oval) - New Zealand won by 253 runs - Third Test (Trent Bridge) - New Zealand won by 160 runs [Image text:] CASTORE 707