Brook steps up New white-ball captain helps England avoid Stokes overload

Harry Brook has been confirmed as England's white-ball captain after a brief flirtation with handing Ben Stokes the reins of the one-day team was trumped by concerns over the all-rounder's fitness and workload.

- Ali Martin

Brook was vice-captain to Jos Buttler and so always favourite to step up when England's poor Champions Trophy in February created the vacancy.

Rob Key, director of men's cricket, had openly pondered a move to split the white-ball roles and see if Stokes could combine the 50-over job with his Test duties.

In the end, mindful that Stokes is on the comeback trail from hamstring surgery, and about to start an Ashes year that will define his Test captaincy, Key offered both the Twenty20 and one-day international jobs to Brook.

It hands the 26-year-old the chance to lead England at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year, plus its 50-over equivalent in Africa in 2027.

"It's a real honour to be named England white-ball captain," he said.

"Ever since I was a kid, 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. I'm excited to get going."