As England gear up for the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia, a quiet shift may be brewing in the Test team’s leadership. While Ollie Pope in Test cricket has been the official deputy to Ben Stokes for two years, Brendon McCullum has hinted that Harry Brook might be next in line. If true, Brook could soon take on the mantle of England Test vice captain, marking a bold pivot in England’s red-ball strategy.

McCullum’s Subtle Signal

When asked whether Ollie Pope in Test cricket would retain the vice-captaincy for the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia, McCullum gave a carefully crafted but revealing answer:

“We will work on that one as well,” he said. “We will chat about that over the coming days, as we finalise our Ashes squad. I think it’s no secret that Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out. But whatever happens, a great team man understands that just because you haven’t got a title, doesn’t stop you from being a leader.”

The coach didn’t stop there. Reflecting on Brook’s growing influence, McCullum added:

“I’ve enjoyed working with Brooky, I think he’s taken to the role really well, really quickly… He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s well connected within the group. He keeps things very simple.”

There it was. No dramatic declaration, but a breadcrumb trail unmistakably pointing towards Brook as the next England Test vice captain.

Why the Numbers Back Brook?

Let’s strip away the politics and nostalgia and look at the stats. In the recent five-Test series against India, a genuine benchmark, Brook clearly pulled ahead.

While Ollie Pope in Test cricket has offered stability, Brook has delivered game-shifting performances. His aggressive tempo, consistency, and ability to create pressure have made him not just valuable, but vital, the kind of player who commands a position like England Test vice captain, rather than just inherits it.

Enter Jacob Bethell：A New Threat from Below

If Brook is breathing down Pope’s neck from above, Jacob Bethell might be creeping up from behind. The 21-year-old has had a breakout year and, on 17 September, made headlines by captaining England’s T20I side to a win over Ireland, a tidy start for the youngest England men’s captain in history. Let’s look at Bethell’s early Test numbers:

He may have stumbled against India, but Bethell’s aggressive style and cool presence have caught the selectors’ eyes. If Bethell keeps climbing, he could soon be in contention for that No.3 spot, putting Ollie Pope in Test cricket under serious pressure. And if your spot in the XI isn’t secure, it’s hard to justify holding onto the England Test vice captain title.

Brook the Natural Foil to Stokes

Ben Stokes leads with fire, flair and unshakable belief. What he needs beside him is someone who can mirror that aggression but also bring a sense of calm when chaos hits. Harry Brook seems cut out for that exact balance.

Harry Brook could potentially be in line to become England’s Vice Captain for the Ashes.

– Brendon McCullum is impressed with Brook. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/tdP13Ci7dw

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 16, 2025

Since taking on white-ball captaincy duties earlier this year, Brook has shown an ability to rally players, communicate clearly and stay composed under pressure. As McCullum put it:

“He’s got a demanding schedule himself, and we have to be aware of that… But we’ve got a really good relationship and I think that started well.”

In short, Brook leads without the badge. Handing him the role of England Test vice captain wouldn’t be a promotion. It would simply be acknowledging the leadership he’s already providing.

A Bold but Necessary Move for the Ashes

Let’s not sugar-coat it, the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia will be a beast of a tour. Fast pitches, hostile crowds, and an Aussie side out for blood. England need sharp minds and sharper batting. Brook’s presence offers both.

🗣️ “He likes to have things pretty simple”

Brendon McCullum on Harry Brook’s captaincy 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JKAH203YmZ

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 10, 2025

It’s not a knock on Pope. He’s been a loyal deputy and held the fort admirably, leading in five Tests with a composed head. But the reality is: the role of England Test vice captain isn’t ceremonial. It’s a strategic post that demands not just experience, but current relevance and rising influence. Pope has had his moments. But Brook is having his era.

Final Over：Time to Make the Call

England can’t afford sentiment in their leadership structure heading into the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia. They need decisions grounded in form, presence, and future potential. Brook fits the bill: statistically, temperamentally, and tactically. Pope, though respected, is facing pressure from above and below. If the aim is to win down under, then elevating Brook to England Test vice captain isn’t just bold; it’s necessary. If McCullum’s hint is anything to go by, the decision may already be made.