Michael Vaughan picks successor to Ben Stokes as England Test captain

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has backed Harry Brook to take over from Ben Stokes as England’s next Test captain, praising the young batter’s natural leadership and strong presence on the field.

Speaking on a YouTube podcast, Vaughan described Brook as a "born leader" and pointed to his temperament and authority during matches.

“Harry Brook, to me, looks a leader. He looks a born leader,” Vaughan said, referencing Brook’s impressive 111 off 98 balls in the fifth Test against India as an example of his ability to handle pressure.

Vaughan admitted that current vice-captain Ollie Pope is a smart cricketer but suggested that captaincy requires more than just a good cricket brain.

“I look at someone like Ollie Pope, who looks a fantastic vice-captain. He is a brilliant person to have next to the captain to come up with ideas. But I just want the best captain who is the best leader leading the England side. I don’t think a good vice-captain will necessarily be a good captain,” Vaughan added.

He also recalled his own experience as captain, pointing out the difference between being a vice-captain and a full-time leader.

“Sometimes vice-captains aren’t brilliant captains. Marcus Trescothick was a magnificent vice-captain for me but you wouldn’t want to give him the captaincy,” he explained.

Vaughan believes Brook has the respect of his teammates and the leadership skills needed to guide the team into the future.