Michael Vaughan suggests Harry Brook as captain during Ben Stokes' absence
Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Harry Brook should lead the Test side if Ben Stokes remains sidelined, instead of vice-captain Ollie Pope.
Veteran commentator Michael Vaughan has urged England to consider Harry Brook for the Test captaincy if Ben Stokes remains unavailable.
All-rounder Ben Stokes missed the final Test against India at The Oval with a shoulder injury and faces around eight weeks on the sidelines ahead of the Ashes in Australia this November. In contrast, Yorkshire batter Harry Brook was appointed England's white-ball captain this year and led the team to series victory over the West Indies.
"Harry Brook, to me, looks a leader. He looks a born leader," Vaughan told the Test Match Special podcast. "If Ben Stokes is injured in the future, can Pope stay as vice-captain and Harry Brook get the leadership role?"
Vaughan, who captained England to the famous 2005 Ashes win, added that vice-captains are not always suited to the top job. He cited Marcus Trescothick as a successful deputy who he would not have chosen as captain.
Ollie Pope, 27, is leading England in Tests for the fifth time. Chasing 374 for victory in the decisive match, England were 50-1 at the close of day three after relying on seamers Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jamie Overton, and ending India’s second innings on 396. England’s campaign was hampered by six dropped catches.
"It is not Ollie Pope's fault England are in this position. It is the dropped catches," Vaughan said. "I just want the best captain who is the best leader leading the England side. I don't think a good vice-captain will necessarily be a good captain."
Seamer Josh Tongue remained optimistic: "We're pretty chilled. There won't be any over-thinking about it. How we play is very positive and exciting. With the batting line-up we've got, I can't see why we can't give it a good go."
Vaughan argues that Harry Brook, having already captained England to white-ball success, could be a natural leader in Tests if Stokes is sidelined.
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