ENG vs IND 2025: Michael Vaughan backs Harry Brook as Ben Stokes' successor

Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Harry Brook is the leading candidate to succeed Ben Stokes as England’s next Test skipper. While Vaughan acknowledged the capabilities of current vice-captain Ollie Pope, he emphasised the nuanced leadership qualities required to guide a team at the highest level.

Vaughan termed Brook a "born leader", Notably, Brook slammed a counterattacking 111 off 98 balls in the fifth Test, showcasing not only raw talent but a strong temperament under pressure.

“Harry Brook, to me, looks a leader. He looks a born leader,” said Vaughan during the Test Match Special podcast.

Vaughan also believes that Brook possesses the qualities needed to command respect within the dressing room. Brook's visible authority on the field and his recent success in leading England’s white-ball side to a series win over the West Indies strengthens his case as a future Test captain.

Vaughan drew a clear distinction between being a vice-captain and leading as a captain. He cited the example of Marcus Trescothick, a brilliant vice-captain, who, despite his cricketing knowledge, did not entirely fit the leadership mold. Similarly, while Pope has stepped in for Stokes for the fifth time and is praised for his sharp cricketing mind and supportive presence, Vaughan suggested that he may lack the leadership spark that defines a true skipper.

“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. 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” said Vaughan.

Vaughan assessed that Pope’s strengths lie in his role as an advisor rather than as the ultimate decision-maker. While Pope is a sharp thinker with tactical acumen, a quality that make him invaluable in a supporting role, it is Brook who, according to Vaughan, possesses the attributes essential for leading from the front.

“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," he added.

Pope served as stand-in captain during the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Unfortunately for England, they fell short by just six runs, resulting in a 2-2 series draw in the five-match contest.