England are poised to begin a new chapter in Test cricket following the retirement of long-serving captain Ben Stokes, who ended his international career during the fourth day of the third Test against New Zealand. With the leadership role now vacant, England’s white-ball captain Harry Brooks emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Stokes.As England’s current focus shifts to the white-ball series against India, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs, starting with the first T20I today, Brook spoke about the possibility of becoming England’s next Test captain during the pre-match press conference.The 27-year-old admitted that leading England in the longest format would be the biggest honor of his career.“Look, it would be a great honor to do it, it would be a privilege to do it, to captain England in the highest format of our game, The pinnacle, I think it is. Playing Test cricket is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s a dream and something I’ve always wanted to do since I could talk. Look, that’s not my decision, but if it’s offered to me, I’d be happy to take it,” Brook said. Despite being seen by many as a stand-in for Ben Stokes, Brook has backed 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 choice.“I think the decision that was made was the right one. Making Rooty the captain last week was definitely the right decision. He has always been there for the ECB. He has been steadfast for English cricket. He is, in my opinion, the best batsman to ever play Test cricket. The ECB needed him that week too and he stepped up,” he added. “My job that week was just to try and help him as much as possible. A lot of talking: obviously we’re at step one and step two, so we’re always talking about how we can influence the game. But I definitely feel the ECB made the right decision,” Brook said.
India’s tour of England
| answer | Date | Place of action | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. T20I | July 1, 2026 | Riverside Ground, Chester le Street | 22:00 hours |
| 2. T20I | July 4, 2026 | Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester | 19:00 hours |
| 3. T20I | July 7, 2026 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 22:00 hours |
| 4. T20I | July 9, 2026 | County Ground, Bristol | 22:00 hours |
| 5. T20I | July 11, 2026 | Rose Bowl, Southampton | 19:00 hours |
| 1. GO AWAY | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 17:30 |
| 2. GO AWAY | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 17:30 |
| 3. GO AWAY | July 19, 2026 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | 15:30 |
