Harry Brook missed out on becoming England’s Test captain despite the endorsement of captain Ben Stokes. The England legend backed Brook to take over the captaincy following his retirement, but the England selectors went back to Joe Root. Root captained England in the second Test against New Zealand, which Stokes missed, and then made a full-time return to captaincy. Brook, England’s present white-ball captain, has reacted after missing out on the top job and said that the decision to reappoint Root is the “right one.”

“The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I’m actually really excited to see what he can do. He’s definitely the right man to take over that job. I’m really looking forward to working alongside him,” he told BBC Sport.

Root, who made his Test debut against India in 2012, replaced Alastair Cook as England’s Test captain in 2017. He captained the Three Lions to 27 wins and as many defeats in 65 Tests. He is England’s most successful Test captain. He stepped down from the role in 2022 and was replaced by Stokes.

Stokes, who had left white-ball cricket in 2023, was successfully leading England in Tests and looked set to continue till the Ashes 2027. He announced a shock retirement during the third Test against New Zealand.

Stokes was kept out of the squad for the second Test against NZ in the aftermath of the nightclub incident. He and Gus Atkinson made their returns for the third Test. Stokes, who continues to play domestic cricket, decided to retire from international cricket before the end of the series.

Brendon McCullum also left his position as the Test team’s coach following the series. He will continue to coach England’s white-ball teams.

Root will be working with McCullum’s successor, Stephen Fleming. He will take over the charge starting the Test series against South Africa in December. Marcus Trescothick will take over the head coach’s role on a stand-in basis for England.