McCullum Believes Harry Brook’s Time as England Test Captain Will Come

Brendon McCullum says Harry Brook will eventually captain England in Tests, even though Joe Root is currently in charge of the red-ball side.

How the captaincy changed hands

Brook, who leads England in ODIs and T20Is, was Ben Stokes’ deputy during McCullum’s time as Test coach. When Stokes was suspended for the second Test against New Zealand, the ECB gave the captaincy to Root rather than Brook. After England lost that series and Stokes retired from Test cricket, the ECB reappointed Root, which delayed Brook’s promotion.

McCullum told Sky Sports that he holds Brook in great affection, calls him a wonderful player and thinks he is doing a fine job leading the white-ball sides. He expects Brook’s time in the Test role to arrive, and said he looks forward to helping him develop as a leader, while Root will do an excellent job for now.

Fleming steps in

McCullum has left England’s Test set-up after four years but still runs the white-ball teams. The ECB has named former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as Test head coach. McCullum said he enjoyed his time in the role but that things are now going in a new direction. He described Fleming as a bit like himself, but better, and said the ECB had done well to secure him. He added that the two remain in regular contact and share a vision for England.

What comes next

England’s next Test series is at home to Pakistan, where Marcus Trescothick stays on as interim coach. Fleming is due to start officially before the tour of South Africa in December 2026.