Harry Brook insisted that England’s white-ball cricket was “heading in the right direction” following India’s six-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Tuesday in another humiliating one-day international defeat.
When asked about the prospect of replacing Ben Stokes as Test captain, England’s limited-overs captain was more circumspect, stating that it was an issue for the incoming red-ball head coach.
After a 4-0 T20 clean sweep of India, England entered this ODI series.
However, Tuesday’s reversal means that England has now lost 14 of its previous 20 ODIs, which is concerning given that the 50-over World Cup will take place in South Africa next year.
The 27-year-old Brook has already stated that if called upon, he would have no problem guiding England in all three international formats.
However, that was prior to Brendon McCullum’s dismissal as Test coach after a run of seven losses in his previous nine Test matches, including a crushing 1-4 Ashes series loss in Australia and a 1-2 home defeat to his home country of New Zealand that resulted in the international retirement of crucial all-rounder Stokes.
England’s white ball sides are still led by McCullum, a former captain of New Zealand.
At a post-match news conference at Edgbaston, Brook spoke for the first time since McCullum’s departure from the Test squad was made known: “It was obviously disappointing for me. Brendon has played a massive part in my career.
“I’ve only ever played under him and he’s been awesome for me. The things that he did for the Test side when he first came in, and in the last few years, have been phenomenal. He is going to be missed.”
Brook added: “It’s not up to me to make that (captaincy) decision. Whatever decision they make, I’ll be fully behind them. It’s up to them to decide who they want and I’m enjoying my role as white-ball captain at the minute.
“I think we’re heading in the right direction. What will be will be.”
Andy Flower, who oversaw three Ashes series victories and led the side to the top of the Test rankings during his tenure as England coach from 2009 to 2014, is being urged to replace McCullum as England’s red ball coach by former captain Nasser Hussain.
Following praise for his work coaching Afghanistan, Jonathan Trott has also been mentioned for the position. The former England batsman was hired by Ireland on Tuesday for a temporary consulting position.
In order to make Sunday’s match at Lord’s a “live” decider, Brook’s immediate goal is still on leveling this three-match series in Cardiff on Thursday.
But after collapsing from 61-0 to 80-5 in Birmingham, England’s top order will need to improve if they are to reach 1-1 at Sophia Gardens.
“There was a poor period when we lost five for 20 runs, which obviously made a massive difference in the game really. The World Cup is a long way away. Hopefully we can come back stronger in Cardiff,” said Brook, who insisted all was far from lost for England in this format.
