Brook’s time will come as Test captain – McCullumImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Harry Brook replaced Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain in 2025ByFfion WynneBBC Sport JournalistPublished45 minutes agoEngland white-ball coach Brendon McCullum says that Harry Brook’s “time will come” as Test captain.Brook, 27, is England’s white-ball leader and was Test vice-captain but was overlooked after Ben Stokes’ shock retirement as batter Joe Root was reappointed, having previously led England in 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022.
McCullum, who was sacked in July after a run of bad results and off-field incidents, backed Root’s captaincy while Brook prepares the white-ball side for the 50-over World Cup next year.
“Everyone knows the affection that I have for Harry,” McCullum told Sky Sports during London Spirit vs MI London at The Hundred.
“He’s a wonderful player and he’s doing a fine job as white-ball leader. I think his time will come in the Test job.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and hopefully growing and developing him into the leader that he can become.
“At some stage in the future, he will have a very important role in that capacity. But for now, Joe will do an amazing job.”
Brook recently led England to a 2-1 one-day international series win over India, and has been in good form in The Hundred, striking a 15-ball fifty for Sunrisers Leeds earlier this week.
England’s first Test against Pakistan starts on 19 August which will be Root’s first back in charge, before Brook and McCullum will oversee three T20s and three ODIs against Sri Lanka in September.
Earlier today, England’s squad for the first Test was unveiled with Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence recalled to the side.
