England boss McCullum hints Brook could replace Pope as Ashes vice-captain
Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum have worked together in England's white-ball set-up since the end of the Champions Trophy. PHOTO: AFP
England coach Brendon McCullum has left open the possibility of Harry Brook replacing Ollie Pope as vice-captain during the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia.
Pope officially took on the role in May 2023 after securing his place as England's number three in Test cricket, and has since led the team five times when inspirational skipper Ben Stokes has been absent through injury.
Stokes is back training following a shoulder problem but his coach at county side Durham, Ryan Campbell, was "not 100 percent sure" the all-rounder would feature in all five Tests against Australia, with England bidding for their first Ashes series win since 2015.
Doubts have been raised about Pope's tactical acumen, with England white-ball captain Brook regarded as a more proactive leader in the field.
And should Stokes be ruled out of a Test during the Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth, the 26-year-old Brook could now be asked to lead England in red-ball cricket as well.
McCullum, asked Sunday whether Pope will take up his usual role as Stokes' deputy in Australia, replied: "We will work on that one. We will chat about that over the coming days as we finalise our Ashes squad."
"I think it's a pretty easy squad to pick. We don't need too big a squad but we have a very settled group of batters, a cartel of fast bowlers and Shoaib Bashir as our frontline spinner."
The former New Zealand captain, speaking after England's third and deciding T20 against South Africa in Nottingham was washed out without a ball being bowled, added: "I think it's no secret Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that's something we need to work out."