'Stupid not to look at him' Stokes lined up as England ODI captain - with T20 job for Brook

'Stupid Not To Look At Him'

- Ali Martin

Rob Key could offer Ben Stokes the chance to take on the captaincy of England's one-day team - and potentially put Harry Brook in charge of the T20 side - after admitting it would be "stupid" not to consider his Test talisman for an expanded role.

Speaking at Lord's yesterday, less than a week after England completed their winless Champions Trophy campaign, the director of men's cricket held his hands up to "a lot of errors". There was also an admission his players lacked the competitiveness that Stokes brings.

While stressing he is "not feeling the pinch" as regards his own role, Key and his head coach, Brendon McCullum, face a pivotal decision over how best to replace Jos Buttler as white-ball captain.

With 11 Tests, 27 white-ball matches and a T20 World Cup in the next 12 months, picking one multi-format player raises inherent issues. But much like McCullum last week, Key insisted "nothing is off the table". This includes asking Stokes, 33, to set in motion a template for the 50-over World Cup in South Africa in 2027, allowing the 26-year-old Brook to cut his teeth with the T20 side initially.

As ever, much will hinge on fitness, with Stokes currently on track for the summer after hamstring surgery. The all-rounder has already opted out of the Hundred this year.