England are set to begin a new chapter in Test cricket following the retirement of long-time captain Ben Stokes, who called time on his international career during Day 4 of the third Test against New Zealand. With the leadership role now vacant, England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Stokes.While England’s immediate focus shifts to the white-ball series against India, comprising five T20Is and three ODIs, beginning with the first T20I today, Brook addressed 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 greatest honour of his career.“Look, it would be a great honour to do it, it’d 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 greatest thing that I’ve ever done in my life and it’s a dream and something that I’ve always wanted to do since I could speak. Look, it’s not up to me, that decision, but if I got offered it then I’d be happy to take it,” Brook said. Despite being widely regarded as Ben Stokes’ deputy, Brook supported 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 call.“I think the decision that was made was the right one. Making Rooty captain last week was definitely the right decision. He has always been there for the ECB. He has been a stalwart for English cricket. He’s, in my opinion, the best batter to ever play Test cricket. The ECB needed him that week as well and he stepped up,” he added. “My job that week was to just try and help him as much as possible. Lots of conversations: obviously we’re at first and second slip, so we’re always chatting about how we can have an effect on the game. But I definitely feel ECB made the right decision,” Brook stated.
India tour of England
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | July 1, 2026 | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street | 10:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | July 4, 2026 | Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | July 7, 2026 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 10:00 PM |
| 4th T20I | July 9, 2026 | County Ground, Bristol | 10:00 PM |
| 5th T20I | July 11, 2026 | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 7:00 PM |
| 1st ODI | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 5:30 PM |
| 2nd ODI | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 PM |
| 3rd ODI | July 19, 2026 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | 3:30 PM |
