6:59 am today

Harry Brook named new England's white-ball captain

6:59 am today
Harry Brook (R) and New Zealand's Mitchell Santner after a T20 international match in Chester-le-Street.

Harry Brook (R) and New Zealand's Mitchell Santner after a T20 international match in Chester-le-Street. Photo: photosport

Harry Brook has been appointed England's white-ball captain after Jos Buttler stepped down following their group stage exit from the ICC Champions Trophy, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

"It's a real honour to be named England's white-ball captain," Brook, 26, said in a statement. "I'm excited to get going and give it everything I've got."

Brook captained England in the ODI series against Australia in September and was vice-captain at the Champions Trophy.

His first outing as permanent captain will come in three home T20Is and three ODIs against West Indies at the end of May.

Brook has played 26 ODIs for England, scoring 816 runs, while he has made 44 T20 appearances and was part of the team that won T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.

Harry Brooke in action for England.

Harry Brooke in action for England. Photo: Photosport

While there was talk of England's test captain Ben Stokes being chosen for the role, Brook was the logical choice to allow Stokes to focus on his fitness and Ashes series later this year.

"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," England men's managing director Rob Key said in a statement.

"He's 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."

Brook takes over with England still licking their wounds after a woeful Champions Trophy campaign in which they lost all three of their games, including a defeat by Afghanistan.

Buttler had overseen 22 losses in 34 One-Day Internationals since succeeding the retired Eoin Morgan in June 2022.

"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," Brook said.

"There's so much talent in this country, and I'm looking forward to getting started, moving us forward."

Brook is also a key figure in England's test team and has established himself as the number two batsman behind Joe Root with an average of 58 from his 40 innings.

He pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Delhi Capitals in March, saying his priority was playing for England.

- Reuters

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