Brook being considered for vice-captain role ahead of Ashes as subtle hints are being dropped about his Test promotion.
McCullum considering Brook over Pope as Ashes vice-captain.
Brendon McCullum stated that the selection of England’s Test vice-captain will be discussed this week before the Ashes, suggesting that Harry Brook may be the next in line to succeed Ollie Pope as Ben Stokes’ deputy in Australia this winter.
After England’s final Twenty20 International match against South Africa ended in a wash-out at Trent Bridge on Sunday, McCullum is scheduled to take a flight back to New Zealand on Monday night, marking the end of their home international season. Although he believes it will be “pretty easy” to choose the team to wrestle back the urn after ten years, he acknowledges there are crucial issues to work out. He is scheduled to see managing director Rob Key in London before his trip to discuss selection for the Australia tour.
The vice-captain dilemma
The question of the vice-captaincy will surely be one of the more difficult ones to bring up. Pope, who was first appointed to the position in 2023 and has captained the squad five times, most recently in the fifth Test of the India series when Stokes was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, has not yet been contacted, McCullum stated. But since being promoted to the limited-overs position at the beginning of the summer, Brook has shown himself to be a formidable alternative.
McCullum responded, “We will work on that one as well,” when asked if the Ashes would have a new vice-captain. “As we finalise our Ashes squad, we will discuss that in the days ahead.
“You’re always looking at things, right? Every time you get together with a series, you discuss things. I think it’s no secret that Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out. But whatever happens, a great team man understands that just because you haven’t got a title, doesn’t stop you from being a leader.”
The case for Brook
The way Brook has performed in his new position has obviously impressed McCullum. Since McCullum took charge of the white-ball teams at the beginning of the season and Brook took over as captain in March after Jos Buttler left following the team’s early Champions Trophy exit, the two have been collaborating closely this summer.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Brooky, I think he’s taken to the role really well, really quickly. Still a work in progress but he’s got a demanding schedule himself and we have to be aware of that as we move forward.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s well connected within the group. He keeps things very simple. We’ve got a really good relationship and I think that started well.”