'Just Give It to Him': Ben Stokes Questions England's Decision to Snub Harry Brook for Test Captaincy
Ben Stokes has openly questioned England's decision to overlook Harry Brook for the Test captaincy, saying the selectors missed an opportunity to back the player they had already identified as the team's deputy.
Speaking on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, the former England skipper said a vice-captain should naturally step into the role when the captain is unavailable, warning that bypassing Brook sends the wrong message about the team's leadership plans.
"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, just give it to them," Stokes said.
Recalling the period when he missed a Test against New Zealand, Stokes said he was surprised Brook was not asked to lead despite being England's vice-captain.
"I was like, 'Why is Brooky not captain? He's vice-captain.' I understood the reasoning, but I still thought, what message is that sending to him?"
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Stokes drew on his own experience, pointing out that he had virtually no captaincy background when England handed him the role.
"I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over. It was simply believed I would be a good captain."
His remarks come after Joe Root resumed the Test captaincy following Stokes' retirement from international cricket. Root, England's most successful Test captain with 27 wins in 65 Tests, previously led the side from 2017 to 2022 and recently served as stand-in captain during the Test against New Zealand at The Oval.
Despite questioning the succession decision, Stokes made it clear he fully supports Root's return.
"I wish him nothing but success," he said, adding that his biggest concern was Root's well-being after seeing first-hand the pressures of captaincy.
"I've seen what he went through. He always put the team first. He always came second."
Stokes' comments have reignited the debate over England's long-term leadership succession, with many now asking whether Harry Brook remains the designated heir to the Test captaincy—or whether the team management sees a different future.
(With inputs from ANI)