Michael Vaughan, one of England’s most esteemed Test captains, believes that Harry Brook possesses the qualities of a natural leader and should be considered the successor to Ben Stokes when the time comes. Brook, known for his unconventional batting style, played a pivotal role in reviving England’s chances in the current Test match by scoring an aggressive 111 runs off just 98 balls, leaving the team on the brink of victory with only 35 runs needed and four wickets remaining as they approached the final day. While Vaughan acknowledges Ollie Pope as an excellent vice-captain, he argues that Brook is the more suitable candidate to take the helm once Stokes steps down. Vaughan expressed his admiration for Brook’s leadership potential during a discussion on the Test Match Special podcast, suggesting that if Stokes were to be sidelined due to injury, Brook could seamlessly transition into a leadership role. He emphasized that while Pope is a valuable asset in supporting the captain, not all vice-captains possess the qualities necessary for effective captaincy. Drawing from his own experiences, Vaughan recalled how Marcus Trescothick excelled as a vice-captain but was not suited for the captaincy himself. As Pope leads England in his fifth Test match, having previously filled in for Stokes during an injury last year, Vaughan remains focused on the overarching goal of finding the best leader for the team, asserting that a strong vice-captain does not automatically translate to a successful captain.
Vaughan argues that Harry Brook is a more suitable candidate than Ollie Pope to succeed Stokes in Test cricket.
