Brendon McCullum backs Harry Brook as future England Test captain

London: Former England red-ball head coach Brendon McCullum believes Harry Brook’s time to lead the Test side will come in the future, despite him being overlooked for the top job following Ben Stokes’s retirement from international cricket.

After Stokes stepped down at the conclusion of the home series against New Zealand, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opted to reappoint veteran batter Joe Root as captain instead of elevating Brook, who served as vice-captain during the series.

Brook was also passed over when Root briefly filled in after Stokes was suspended for a curfew breach during the second Test at The Oval. McCullum, who remains England’s white-ball coach while Stephen Fleming takes over the Test mantle, backed the explosive batter to eventually take charge of the red-ball side.

“Everyone knows the affection that I have for Harry. 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.” IANS

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