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 Brooke emerged as the frontrunner to replace Stokes.As England’s immediate focus shifts to the white-ball series against India, which consists of five T20Is and three ODIs, starting 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 admits that leading England in the highest format is the biggest honor of his career.“Look, it’s a great honor to do it, it’s 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 biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s been a dream and something I’ve always wanted to do since I could talk. Look, it’s not for me, that decision, but if I’m offered it I’ll be happy to take it,” Brook said. Despite being widely regarded as Ben Stokes’ deputy, 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 call.“I think the decision that was made was the right one. Making Rooty the captain last week was the right decision. He is always there for the ECB. He is a stalwart for English cricket. He is, in my opinion, the best batsman to play Test cricket. The ECB also needed him that week and he improved,” he added. “My job that week was just to try and help him as much as possible. Many conversations: obviously we were in the first and second slip, so we always chatted about how we could have an impact on the game. But I feel that the ECB made the right decision,” said Brook.
Tour of India in England
| game: | Date: | Venue: | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I: | July 1, 2026 | Riverside, Chester-le-Street | It’s 10:00 pm |
| 2nd T20I: | July 4, 2026 | Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester | 7:00 in the evening |
| 3rd T20I | July 7, 2026 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | It’s 10:00 pm |
| 4th T20I | July 9, 2026 | County Ground, Bristol | It’s 10:00 pm |
| 5th T20I: | July 11, 2026 | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 7:00 in the evening |
| 1st ODI: | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 5:30 in the afternoon |
| 2nd ODI | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 in the afternoon |
| 3rd ODI | July 19, 2026 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | 3:30 in the afternoon |