Jonathan Agnew believes Harry Brook is not yet ready to captain England in Test cricket, even though he sees a leadership role in the future.
Brook is England’s Test vice-captain and leads the side in ODIs and T20Is. With Joe Root back as Test captain, there are still questions about who will eventually take over.
Talent not in doubt
Agnew has compared Brook’s ability with that of some of England’s finest batsmen, including Kevin Pietersen and David Gower. His concern is maturity.
More than tactics
In Agnew’s view, the England captaincy goes well beyond on-field decisions. The captain is also expected to represent the country on difficult international and social issues and to speak with authority when needed. He feels Brook has not yet shown that side, which helped make Root the preferred choice.
A door left open
Agnew does not rule Brook out. He thinks the batter has time to make his case before Root eventually steps down, and he named Jacob Bethell as another possible future candidate, particularly for his leadership qualities.
Root’s return is expected to be temporary, perhaps lasting until the next Ashes series, which gives Brook a window to strengthen his claim through his performances and his growth as a leader. For Agnew, the batting is already beyond question; the next step is to show he has the maturity to lead England in Tests.
