Why Harry Brook Should Replace Ollie Pope As England's Vice-Captain For The Ashes

Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Leadership in cricket doesn’t always change hands with a grand announcement; sometimes the shift is quiet and subtle. That is exactly what is happening inside the England dressing room right now.

For two years, Ollie Pope has been the designated deputy, a tidy understudy to Ben Stokes’ firebrand leadership. He has led in five Tests in Stokes’ absence, done the press duties and carried the vice-captain badge with grace. But as England hurtle towards an The Ashes 2025-26 in Australia, that badge feels like it is slipping.

Looming on the horizon is Harry Brook: younger, hungrier and crackling with authority. And notably, even England head coach Brendon McCullum has dropped the first breadcrumb that the guard might be changing.

McCullum’s Telling Hint

Speaking ahead of England’s Ashes selection discussions, Brendon McCullum was asked if Pope would continue as vice-captain. His answer was telling:

“We will work on that one as well… It’s no secret that Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket.”

It was a subtle but clear sign that the vice-captaincy is officially up for debate. And when the head coach says someone is “emerging as a leader”, you can be sure he is already picturing them in the role.

The Cold Hard Numbers

Let us strip away sentiment and look at the recent five-Test series against India, a litmus test for both men.

Pope’s 306 runs at 34.00 weren’t disastrous, just unremarkable. Plenty of starts, one classy 106 but rarely innings that seized control. He often looked busy early on, only to get bowled playing across or undone by straight seamers.

Harry Brook, meanwhile, tore the script apart with 481 runs at 53.44, two centuries, two fifties and a batting tempo that forced fielding captains onto the back foot. He didn’t just survive pressure; he created it.

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The Bethell Shadow Over Pope’s Spot

And Pope’s not only fighting Brook’s surge, he is also glancing nervously over his shoulder at Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old has crashed into the Test scene like a breath of fresh air.

When Pope missed the New Zealand tour, Bethell slotted in at No.3 and looked completely at home as he scored 260 runs at 52.00 with a blistering 50* off 37 balls on debut, the joint second-fastest fifty on debut for England. 

Against India, he got to played just one match where he failed to leave a mark. However, recently against South Africa, Bethell went on to smash his first ODI hundred and continued his rise.

If Bethell continues his upward climb, Pope’s spot at No.3 isn’t even secure. And if your place in the XI is in doubt, how can you command it as vice-captain?

Brook Is Already Leading Without The Badge

What makes Brook stand out is how seamlessly he has grown into leadership. Since being handed limited-overs captaincy duties earlier this year, he has impressed McCullum with his clarity, calm and connection with the group.

He is no chest-thumper but when he talks, players listen. He cuts through the noise, simplifies plans and carries himself with the kind of composure that makes teams want to follow. That is the intangible quality Pope has never quite radiated.

A Perfect Foil For Stokes’ Fire

Ben Stokes leads with emotion, instinct and absolute aggression and that works. But he needs a deputy who won’t just nod along but can anchor the ship when the storm hits. Brook feels like that natural foil.

He mirrors Stokes’ attacking mindset while offering the calm counterweight. When Stokes goes for broke, Brook can be the one steadying the group. That balance of fire and ice is exactly what England need if they want to survive the in Australia.

Time To Be Ruthless

Vice-captaincy isn’t a lifetime award. It’s about who commands respect now, not who wore the badge yesterday. Pope has been solid, but Brook is soaring in form, in mindset, and in presence.

And if McCullum’s hint means anything, the torch is already halfway in Brook’s hands. England shouldn’t dither. They need to hand it over and back him fully.

Pope has served with dignity, but Brook looks destined to lead. He is scoring the runs, earning the trust and carrying the aura. England’s Ashes campaign could hinge on bold choices and this is the boldest and smartest one they can make.

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