The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially confirmed Harry Brook as the new white-ball captain for England, following Jos Buttler‘s resignation after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. The decision was announced on April 7, 2025, with Brook set to lead the team in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) formats. The news comes after England’s early exit from the Champions Trophy, where they failed to win any of their group-stage matches, prompting Buttler to step down from the role.
Brook, who has been a key player in England’s batting lineup since 2022, has also served as vice-captain for both the ODI and T20I teams. His leadership experience includes stepping in for Buttler during the five-match ODI series against Australia in September 2024, when the hosts lost 3-2. His calm and tactical approach in that series earned him praise, marking his first international captaincy experience. Brook’s leadership journey began even earlier, having captained England U19s in the 2018 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.
“It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain,” Brook said in a statement from the ECB. “Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.”
Despite his relatively limited experience as captain at the senior international level, Brook’s rise to the top role had been widely anticipated, especially after he withdrew from an IPL deal with the Delhi Capitals to prioritize international commitments. His appointment marks a significant step in the rebuilding of England’s leadership structure following Buttler’s departure.
Rob Key, England’s managing director of cricket, confirmed earlier that Ben Stokes was also a contender for the 50-over ODI captaincy, although his ongoing injury concerns and the demanding Test schedule, including the Ashes series in Australia, may affect his availability for the role. “Nothing’s off the table [in terms of the England captaincy]. You look at every option,” Key remarked, leaving the door open for Stokes to be considered despite the challenges posed by his injury.
Brook’s first assignment as England’s white-ball captain will begin with a series of three ODIs and three T20Is against West Indies in May, followed by a home series against South Africa in September. Reflecting on his new role, Brook expressed his excitement about the future: “There’s so much talent in this country, and I’m looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups, and major events. I’m excited to get going and give it everything I’ve got.”
This transition in leadership comes after a difficult period for England’s white-ball team, which had struggled in ICC tournaments following their 2022 T20 World Cup victory. The team’s performance during their recent white-ball tour of India and their participation in the Champions Trophy only further highlighted the need for change at the helm.
Buttler, who led England to a historic T20 World Cup victory in 2022, will continue to play across formats despite stepping down as captain. Brook’s appointment signifies a new chapter for the team, with the young captain aiming to restore England’s dominance in the white-ball format.
