‘We don’t want to burden him’ – Rob Key explains rationale behind Joe Root getting England’s interim captaincy over Harry Brook

England Men’s Director of Cricket, Rob Key, has explained his decision to hand the interim captaincy to Joe Root instead of the designated vice-captain Harry Brook. This comes in the wake of Ben Stokes getting the axe for the second Test match following a nightclub altercation involving him and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after the pair broke the team curfew during the early hours of Monday morning. 

Key was adamant that the timing of the situation was not ideal to hand Brook England’s Test captaincy. The former player-turned-manager instead backs Root to pull the team out of this sticky situation, like he has done on countless occasions with the bat. The 33-year-old has always been there for his nation, and Key backs himself to do it again, in what he believes to be the correct decision. 

“Just don’t think it’s the right time for Harry Brook. I think he’s an excellent captain. He’s done a brilliant job in white-ball cricket. It just feels like that’s a huge amount to put on his plate at the moment. And Joe Root, every single time England’s in trouble, whether that’s where they’re 10 for 2, I can’t think of any player who’s given more, who’s been there for his country more in terms of cricket than Joe Root and he’s doing it again. And I just think it’s the right decision. It’s not the right time for Harry and it leaves all options open going forward,” Rob Key said to the ECB.

It is worth mentioning that Brook was involved in a similar nightclub controversy as Stokes in New Zealand back in 2025. The right-handed batter had a confrontation with a bouncer for which he was fined GBP 30,000. When asked whether this was also the case behind his not being named interim captain, Key stated that there were many reasons, including the upcoming white-ball series against India, where Brook will lead the Three Lions in five T20Is and three ODIs. 

 “There’s lots of different reasons for it. We’re going to be close to selecting a white ball team for what’s a massive series against India, T20 cricket and ODI cricket. So Harry, as well as what’s happened in the past, has a huge amount on his plate and we don’t want to burden him with that, having to deal with everything,” he added. 

Both Stokes and Atkinson have been dropped from the side that will face New Zealand in the second Test match, commencing on June 17. In their place, England have recalled Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox to the setup.