England will 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.As England’s immediate focus turns to the white-ball series against India, comprising 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 admitted that leading England in the longest format would be the biggest honor of his career.“Look, it would be a great honor to do it, it would 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 biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life and it’s a dream and something I’ve always wanted to do since I could talk. Look, it’s not up to me, that decision, but if I’m offered then I’ll be happy to take it,” said Brook. Despite being regarded as Ben Stokes’ deputy, Brook backed the ECB’s decision to hand the captaincy to Joe Root for the second Test against New Zealand after 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 is, in my opinion, the best batsman to ever play Test cricket. The ECB needed him that week and he added,” he added. “My job that week was just to try to help as much as possible. Conversation axis: obviously we are in the first and second slip, so we are still chatting about how we can have an effect on the game. But I definitely feel that ECB made the right decision,” said Brook.
India tour in England
| Match | dates | come on | 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 p.m |
| 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 p.m |
| 1st HATE | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 5:30 p.m |
| 2nd HATE | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 p.m |
| 3rd ODI | July 19, 2026 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | 3:30 p.m |