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The sudden retirement of Ben Stokes has put the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in another delicate situation, as they have to find their next captain for the Test cricket team, Ben Stokes’ successor. Who will be the next captain of England in Tests?
Former India opening batsman, now cricket expert and commentator, Aakash Chopra paints a clear picture of the landscape of English cricket. Aakash Chopra said that Harry Brook, who is currently the white-ball captain of the team, appears to be England’s next white-ball captain.
Who will be the next Test captain of England after Ben Stokes’ retirement?
Joe Root also comes forward as an option who can step forward and lead the team in the longest format of the game. But Chopra’s bet is on Harry Brook, as the captaincy selection is expected to be part of a long-term approach.
During the second Test against New Zealand, when Ben Stokes was dropped from the team for violating the team’s night curfew rule, Joe Root was appointed captain for the match. If the England and Wales Cricket Board wants someone as a stop-gap captain, Root could be the perfect candidate, but for long-term plans, Brook looks good, as per Aakash Chopra’s observation.
“With Ben Stokes gone, it feels like Harry Brook is the only option who can be the England captain. He can take care of the backend of the team. He should have great stats. He plays a slightly attacking brand of cricket. He plays a very entertaining, exciting brand of cricket. In fact, sometimes it feels like Test cricket. He plays in a T20 template. But he is extremely successful,” the former Team India opener said on CREX video.
He said, “They already have the leadership. So, it looks like he is next in line. It is possible that, for a stopgap, they may look at Joe Root again, as they did in the second Test match. But since it will not be a short-term decision, I am thinking Harry Brook may be the one you see captaining England.”
The Ben Stokes era is over. Who is the ideal successor? CREXpert Aakash Chopra shares his views. #BenStokes #EnglandCricket #CricketMatlabCREX pic.twitter.com/itzXXv0d6J
– CREX (@Crex_live) July 2, 2026
Aakash Chopra casts doubt on Buzzball method
Chopra’s further concern is the brand of cricket played by the England cricket team in Tests and its aggressive approach against any bowling attack, known as buzzball.
The baseball method allows batsmen to free their arms, which sounds exciting in tests, but with this method, the success rate is questionable. With the combination of head coach Brendon McCullum and former captain Ben Stokes, England’s buzzball game plan was at its finest.
Why should England move away from the baseball system?
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Brook’s batting approach matches well with his unique batting style in Tests. But since the success rate is not satisfactory, will the team consider changing its new game plan with its next team leader?
Aakash Chopra said, “If Harry becomes the captain, it will not be difficult at all to continue in the same style and style. Because Harry also likes the style of play. It suits him. So, they can continue. But at some level, they would also like to review that it is entertaining, but it does not make you win. It makes your team lose.”
He urged the England cricket team, “How can this be exciting? This is the fourth cycle of the World Test Championship. And if you don’t even get close to the final, forget about winning the trophy, you need to review it, reevaluate it and maybe even the end of the basketball-like mentality is inevitable. Please start winning.”
