‘At some stage, he will have a very important role’ – Brendon McCullum on Harry Brook’s Test captaincy future

Brendon McCullum and Harry Brook (Photo Source: Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

England white-ball head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed his confidence in Harry Brook’s leadership credentials, stating that the 27-year-old is destined to become England’s Test captain in the future.

Brook, who currently leads England in the ODI and T20I formats, served as Ben Stokes’ deputy during McCullum’s tenure as the men’s Test head coach. However, when Stokes was suspended for the second Test against New Zealand following an internal investigation into a breach of curfew, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) opted to hand the captaincy to Joe Root instead of Brook.

Following the series defeat to New Zealand and Stokes’ subsequent retirement from Test cricket, the ECB decided to reappoint Root as Test captain, overlooking Brook despite widespread speculation about his promotion. McCullum, though, believes Brook’s opportunity will come in due course.

“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,” McCullum told Sky Sports.

“I’m looking forward to working with him and hopefully growing and developing him into the leader that he can become. At some stage in the future, he will have a very important role in that capacity. But for now, Joe will do an amazing job,” McCullum opined.

While McCullum has continued as England’s white-ball head coach, the ECB appointed former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach, ending McCullum’s four-year stint in the role. The former Black Caps skipper had taken charge of England’s Test side in 2022 and signed off after the recent home series against New Zealand.

McCullum had high praise for his long-time compatriot and close friend, backing Fleming to excel in his new assignment.

“I had a great time in my four years but now it’s going in a different direction, I think Flem will be excellent. He’s a little bit like me, but better – that’s how I would sum him up. He’ll do a great job, and the ECB have done incredibly well to get someone like him to commit to English cricket for the period that he has. It’s an outstanding achievement,” McCullum continued.

The former New Zealand captain also highlighted the strong bond he shares with Fleming and expressed confidence that the duo will continue working towards England’s success across formats.

“We talk pretty much every day, we’re close mates. We’ve done a lot together and he’s one of those guys who I trust completely. We both just want what’s best for English cricket.”

England’s next Test assignment will be a home series against Pakistan in August-September, with Marcus Trescothick set to oversee coaching duties on an interim basis. Fleming will officially take charge of the Test side ahead of England’s tour of South Africa in December 2026.

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