Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Harry Brook has declared he would gladly accept the England Test captaincy if offered, describing the role as a "privilege" following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket. Already leading England in One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals, Brook has emerged as the leading candidate to become captain across all three formats ahead of England's next Test series against Pakistan later this year.
Brook made his comments after Stokes announced his retirement on Monday, ending a successful international career and leaving England searching for a new leader in the longest format.
Brook willing to lead in all formats
Brook has served as England's Test vice captain since September, making him the obvious contender to succeed Stokes.
Speaking ahead of England's five match T20 series against India, Brook said captaining the Test side would represent the highest honour.
"It'd be a privilege to do it, to captain England in the highest format of our game. It's the pinnacle."
"Playing Test cricket is the greatest thing that I've ever done in my life and it's a dream, something that I've always wanted to do since I could speak."
"It's not up to me, that decision. But if I got offered it, then I'd be happy to take it."
If appointed, Brook would become England's captain in Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals.
Three captaincies would be demanding
Brook acknowledged leading England across all formats would bring significant challenges but believes he is prepared for the responsibility.
"It'd be a tough job," Brook said.
However, he insisted his complete focus on international cricket has placed him in the best possible position to manage the workload.
"I've committed completely to England cricket."
Franchise cricket sacrifice reflects England focus
Brook said his decision to avoid most franchise tournaments allows him to prioritise England commitments throughout the year.
"I've said that I don't want to play any franchise cricket, bar The Hundred, and everything that I want to do is to play cricket for England."
"And whatever I do on and off the field is to try and perform as well as I possibly can for England."
"Hence the reason I don't play in the IPL and PSL and all the other franchise competitions."
His decision to skip lucrative overseas leagues has ensured he remains available for England across every international window.
England begin new era after Stokes
England now enter a transition period following Stokes' retirement after the Test series defeat to New Zealand.
Brook is already an established leader within the national setup through his roles in the white ball formats, while his vice captaincy experience in Test cricket strengthens his credentials.
England's next assignment in the longest format will be a home series against Pakistan later this year before attention turns to hosting Australia in the 2027 Ashes.
Whoever takes over from Stokes will inherit one of the most high profile leadership positions in world cricket as England seeks to build on the progress made during his tenure.
