England appoint new white-ball skipper

April 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM

England announced that Harry Brook will take over as the new men’s white-ball skipper on Monday, April 7.

The 26-year-old has been appointed as Jos Buttler’s successor in the white-ball format after the latter resigned from his role following England’s winless Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Brook, who has been part of the white-ball setup since 2022, has been pivotal to England’s batting lineup across formats.

Currently ranked number two in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings, Brook has spent the past year as vice-captain in both ODI and T20I formats.

He made his captaincy debut against Australia last September in Buttler’s absence, earning praise for his tactical awareness and calm leadership. Brook was also the captain of England U19s in the Men’s U19 World Cup 2018.

“It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain,” Brook was quoted by ECB.

“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.

“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.”

Buttler’s tenure as captain began on a high note with England’s victory in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup. However, England have been under the scanner in their recent outings at the ICC tournaments, with a dismal Cricket World Cup in 2023 followed by another unsuccessful title defence at the T20 World Cup in 2024.

During their white-ball tour of India and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, England managed to win only one out of the 11 matches they played across formats, eventually leading to Buttler’s resignation from the captaincy. However, the swashbuckling batter confirmed he will continue to feature across formats.

The new skipper’s first assignment will begin when England take on West Indies at home across three ODIs and as many T20Is from 29 May, followed by a white-ball series against South Africa at home in September. (ICC)