England’s white-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum, has publicly supported ODI and T20I skipper Harry Brook, asserting that the 27-year-old is destined to lead the Test side in the future. Although Brook served as vice-captain during the recent Test series against New Zealand, the leadership reins were handed to Joe Root following Ben Stokes’s retirement and an internal investigation into a curfew breach that sidelined the former captain for the second Test.
Despite the decision to appoint Root for his second stint as Test captain, McCullum remains a staunch advocate for Brook’s development. Speaking to Sky Sports, McCullum noted, “Everyone knows the affection that I have for Harry. He’s a wonderful player and he’s doing a fine job as white-ball leader. I think his time will come in the Test job.” McCullum added that he looks forward to nurturing Brook’s leadership skills, emphasizing that while Root is expected to perform an amazing job for now, Brook will eventually occupy a pivotal role in the team’s leadership structure.
As McCullum shifts his focus exclusively to the white-ball formats, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has secured Stephen Fleming to take over the Test coaching responsibilities. This transition follows McCullum’s four-year tenure, which fittingly concluded with a home series against New Zealand. McCullum offered high praise for his successor, describing Fleming as a superior version of himself. “I had a great time in my four years but now it’s going in a different direction, I think Flem will be excellent,” McCullum remarked.
McCullum further lauded the ECB for their success in recruiting Fleming, calling the appointment an outstanding achievement. The two coaches share a long-standing professional and personal relationship, often communicating daily. McCullum expressed complete trust in Fleming, noting that their close partnership will be instrumental in aligning the team’s goals across all three formats of the game.
“We both just want what’s best for English cricket. We want to set this up so that English cricket can be successful across all three formats of the game,” McCullum explained. He acknowledged that the collaborative process between the two coaching setups will require flexibility, but he remains committed to ensuring the team has the best possible environment to achieve sustained success.
Looking ahead, England’s immediate Test schedule includes a home series against Pakistan in August-September. Marcus Trescothick is set to manage the coaching duties for that assignment, serving as a bridge before Fleming officially assumes the role for the tour of South Africa in December 2026.
But Stokes had earlier offered a ringing endorsement for Brook to be Test captain, and McCullum shared his views on the 27-year-old.
“He’s a little bit like me, but better – that’s how I would sum him up.
“We talk pretty much every day, we’re close mates.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and hopefully growing and developing him into the leader that he can become.
