After Jos Buttler row Joe Root rules out England’s captaincy, Harry Brook only viable option for ECB
Joe Root has definitively ruled himself out of contention for England’s white-ball captaincy, stating his leadership days are behind him. This decision comes as England seeks a new limited-overs skipper following Jos Buttler’s resignation after the team’s dismal Champions Trophy performance.
Root’s stance leaves Harry Brook as the leading candidate for the role. Speaking to Sky Sports, Root emphasized his focus on the upcoming Test series against India and the Ashes in Australia, saying, “I think that ship’s sailed. I’ve done my time as England captain”.
England’s early exit from the Champions Trophy, losing all three group stage matches, has prompted a leadership overhaul. Despite the poor showing, Root remains optimistic about the team’s future, drawing parallels to the rebuild from 2015 to 2019.
Brook, who has captained England in five ODIs against Australia in 2024 when Buttler was unavailable, now stands as the frontrunner for the position[5]. His experience and potential make him a strong contender as England looks to reset and rebuild their white-ball cricket strategy following recent disappointments.