Sawt Falasteen - Brook named new England white-ball cricket captain

The 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman was the favourite to succeed Jos Buttler, who stood down in February after a woeful Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan ended with England failing to reach the semi-finals.

England failed to retain either their T20 or 50-over World Cup titles under Buttler's captaincy.

Brook was already Buttler's deputy and stood in as skipper during an ODI series against Australia in September.

Unlike several other potential candidates, Brook is also a first-choice selection across all formats.

Concerns had been raised about whether it would hamper Brook's career as a Test batsman were he to be given the white-ball captaincy.

England director of men's cricket Rob Key even floated the idea that Test skipper Ben Stokes could take over as captain in the shorter formats as well while speaking during a press conference at Lord's last month.

But 33-year-old all-rounder Stokes is currently recovering from a second major hamstring tear in the space of six months and should now be able to concentrate solely on getting ready for upcoming red-ball series at home to India and away to Australia.

"It's a real honour to be named England's white-ball captain," said Brook.

"Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley-in-Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me."

Brook will begin his reign as full-time white-ball captain with an ODI series against West Indies, starting at Edgbaston on May 29. That will be followed by a three-match T20 series.

P.Tamimi--SF-PST