Harry Brook named England's new white-ball captain

England has named right-handed batter Harry Brook as the new captain of its men's white-ball team, following Jos Buttler's decision to step down after the team's early exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Brook, who previously led England during an ODI series against Australia in September last year in Buttler's absence, also captained the national side at the 2018 ICC Under-19 Men's World Cup in New Zealand.

Expressing his excitement over the new role, Brook stated, "It's a real honour to be named England's white-ball captain. Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team."

"To now be given that chance means a great deal to me. I want to thank my family and coaches, who've supported me every step of the way. Their belief in me has made all the difference, and I wouldn't be in this position without them," he said.

"There's so much talent in this country, and I'm looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups and major events. I'm excited to get going and give it everything I've got," he added in a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday.

At 26, Brook has been an integral part of England's white-ball squad since his debut in January 2022. Currently ranked number two in the ICC Test rankings, he has played 26 ODIs, scoring 816 runs at an average of 34, with a highest score of 110. In T20Is, he has featured in 44 matches, with a top score of 81, and was part of England's victorious 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad under Buttler's captaincy.

Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, expressed his confidence in Brook's leadership. He said, "I'm delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England's white-ball captain across both formats. He's been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected."

"Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments," he added.

Brook's first assignment as captain will be a three-match ODI series followed by three T20Is against the West Indies, starting on May 29 at Edgbaston. The series marks the beginning of England's preparations for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, as well as the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.