McCullum backs Brook for Ashes vice-captaincy

England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.

- Agencies

Pope officially took on the role in May 2023 after securing his place as England's number three in Test cricket, and has since led the team five times when inspirational skipper Ben Stokes has been absent through injury.

Stokes is back training following a shoulder problem but his coach at county side Durham, Ryan Campbell, was “not IOO percent sure” the all-rounder would feature in all five Tests against Australia, with England bidding for their first Ashes series win since 2015.

Doubts have been raised about Pope's tactical acumen, with England white-ball captain Brook regarded as a more proactive leader in the field.