# McCullum backs Brook for England’s future Test captaincy

2026-08-07T05:51:17+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Brendon McCullum has backed Harry Brook as a future England Test captain after the England and Wales Cricket Board chose Joe Root following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Brook, 27, was Stokes’ deputy during the recent Test series against New Zealand and was considered a leading candidate for the role. McCullum said Brook’s time would come and that he wanted to help develop him into a leader. The Times of India reports that Root has begun a second stint as Test captain, while IndiaTV describes his appointment as interim. England’s next home Test series is against Pakistan, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach before Stephen Fleming takes charge for the South Africa tour in December 2026.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/brendon-mccullum-backs-joe-root-vows-to-develop-harry-brook-into-englands-next-test-captain/articleshow/133020644.cms>
- indiatvnews.com <https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/his-time-will-come-brendon-mccullum-throws-weight-behind-harry-brook-for-test-captaincy-in-the-future-2026-08-07-1050641>

Tags: Brendon McCullum, England cricket, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Stephen Fleming
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