Morgan Identifies Stokes and Brook as Key Candidates for England's White-Ball Captaincy

Ahmedabad, March 29 (NationPress) Eoin Morgan, the captain who led England to victory in the 2019 ODI World Cup, asserts that Ben Stokes and Harry Brook are the primary candidates for the upcoming white-ball captaincy. However, he suggests that Brook may represent a more sustainable leadership choice in the long run.

Following the resignation of wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who stepped down after the team suffered defeats in all three of its group-stage matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy, England is on the lookout for a new white-ball leader.

On Friday, prominent batter Joe Root eliminated himself from the captaincy discussions. He stated, "There are a couple of options, and those options depend on the vision the team wants to pursue. It’s essential to always have a target in mind."

"Given the recent performance of the team, especially in white-ball cricket, it’s unrealistic to aim for absolute victory in every match. A roadmap for the future is necessary, guiding all efforts toward specific goals," he added.

Morgan suggested that it might be worthwhile to invite Stokes to contemplate the captaincy role, albeit not on a full-time basis. He emphasized the importance of creating a setting where Stokes can transition easily between preparations for major tournaments and focusing on Test cricket during off periods.

Discussing Brook's potential as a captain, particularly following his stint leading England in ODIs against Australia last year in Buttler’s absence, Morgan remarked, "If we look at the next three to four years, Harry Brook could excel in this role."

"He demonstrated leadership capabilities during our summer series against a formidable Australian team, and I found his performance impressive. We recognize Harry Brook as an exceptionally gifted player who continues to improve, which is truly delightful to witness. Yet, the captaincy responsibilities did not seem to burden him," Morgan expressed.

England must identify a new white-ball captain ahead of their home summer series for 2025/26, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is against the West Indies, scheduled from May 29 to June 10.

"The real test for me was observing how they responded after losing a match in which they performed well. The challenge always lies in how the team reacts when faced with adversity, and they responded remarkably. They came back ready to fight, showing strength without recklessness," he remarked.

"Their approach was clear, confident, and calculated, which is very encouraging. Ultimately, those two—Stokes and Brook—are the prime candidates, but the decision will rest on what they consider significant opportunities for victory," Morgan concluded.