3 players who could become England's Test captain if Ben Stokes retires

England Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly considering stepping down from the captaincy and could even retire from international cricket following the recent nightclub controversy. The incident has sparked tension between Stokes and the ECB, placing his future as England's Test leader under serious scrutiny.

According to several media reports, the ECB has given Stokes the option to relinquish the captaincy on his own terms and continue playing as a cricketer. However, if he chooses not to step down, the board is expected to remove him as captain, bringing an end to his successful partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum.

The uncertainty surrounding Stokes has opened discussions about England's next Test captain. Vice-captain Harry Brook has quickly emerged as the frontrunner for the role. The young batter is regarded as one of England's most important players and is widely seen as a natural successor to Stokes.

However, Brook is not the only contender in the race. England has several experienced and capable players who could take over the leadership responsibilities if Stokes decides to retire. Here are the top three candidates who could become England's next Test captain.

3. Ollie Pope

The third name on this list is Ollie Pope. The right-handed batter may not be the frontrunner to replace Ben Stokes, but he remains a strong leadership option for England. Even if he is not handed the captaincy, Pope could still be considered for a vice-captaincy role thanks to his experience in red-ball cricket.

Pope has been highly regarded since making his Test debut against India in 2018. England selector Ed Smith backed the young batter to bat at No. 4 after just 15 first-class matches, a significant challenge against a strong Indian side. Although he played only two Tests that summer, he finished the domestic season with 986 runs at an impressive average of 70.43, helping Surrey win the County Championship title.

See also -Is Ben Stokes about to quit as England captain after ENG vs NZ at Lord's? Full story explained

In 64 Tests, Pope has scored 3,732 runs at an average of 34.55, including nine centuries and 16 half-centuries. As England look for a long-term and dependable leader in the post-Stokes era, Pope's first-class captaincy experience and understanding of the red-ball game could make him a valuable option. If not as captain, he could still play an important leadership role within the team as vice-captain.

2. Joe Root

The second name on this list is Joe Root. It would not be a surprise if the former England captain emerges as a leading candidate to replace Ben Stokes should he step down from the role. Root remains one of the most respected figures in English cricket and continues to be England's most reliable performer in the longest format.

Root brings a wealth of leadership experience, having captained England in a record 64 Test matches between 2017 and 2022. During his tenure, he guided the team to 27 victories and finished with a win percentage of 42.18%, making him England's most successful Test captain in terms of total wins. Among England captains who have led the side in more than 30 Tests, only Michael Vaughan (50.98%) and Mike Brearley (58.06%) recorded a better win percentage than Root.

See also -Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Comparing their Stats after 41 centuries in Test cricket

The Yorkshire batter is also England's highest run-scorer in Test history. In 164 Tests, Root has amassed 13,952 runs at an outstanding average of 50.73, including 41 centuries and 66 half-centuries. His consistency and longevity have helped him cement his place among modern greats such as Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, and Kane Williamson.

If Stokes resigns from the captaincy, Root could once again become a significant contender for the role. While England may prefer not to burden him with leadership responsibilities during the peak years of his batting career, his proven captaincy record, vast experience, and 42.18% win rate make him one of the strongest candidates in the race to become England's next Test captain.

1. Harry Brook

The top name on this list is Harry Brook. England's current Test vice-captain is widely viewed as the leading candidate to replace Ben Stokes if the all-rounder steps down from the role. Brook has already gained leadership experience in international cricket and is considered one of the brightest young leaders in the English setup.

During the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era, Brook has established himself as one of England's most important players. Following England's disappointing campaign at the 2025 Champions Trophy, he succeeded Jos Buttler as the white-ball captain. He also served as England's ODI captain in multiple matches and was officially named Stokes' deputy ahead of the Ashes, highlighting the confidence the management has in his leadership abilities.

Brook's performances with the bat further strengthen his case for the captaincy. In just 36 Test matches, he has scored 3,234 runs at an outstanding average of 53.90, including 10 centuries and 16 half-centuries. His aggressive yet controlled batting style has made him a key figure in England's red-ball revolution, while his maturity on and off the field has earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.

See also -Watch: Harry Brook mimics Stone Cold Steve Austin celebration after century in SL vs ENG 3rd ODI

However, his appointment may not be entirely straightforward. Brook was involved in a nightclub controversy during England's 2025 tour of New Zealand and later faced disciplinary action from the ECB. If Ben Stokes were to lose the captaincy over a similar issue, England's selectors may need to carefully consider Brook's candidacy. Even so, given his leadership experience, vice-captaincy role, and exceptional Test record, he remains the frontrunner to become England's next Test captain.

Notable mentions

Ben Duckett

Another player who could be considered as a short-term replacement for Ben Stokes is Ben Duckett. The aggressive opening batter has become a key member of England's Test setup and possesses leadership experience that could make him a viable option if England require a stand-in captain for a match or a brief period.

Duckett has developed into one of England's most dependable performers during the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era. Known for his fearless approach at the top of the order, he played a major role in England's attacking "Bazball" philosophy. His memorable return to Test cricket included a brilliant 105-ball century against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, where he shared a 233-run opening partnership with Zak Crawley.

The left-handed batter has also gained captaincy experience in domestic cricket, having led teams in The Hundred. While he has not been viewed as a long-term captaincy candidate at the international level, his understanding of England's current playing style and leadership exposure make him a credible option in emergency situations.

In 44 Test matches, Duckett has scored 3,126 runs at an average of 39.56, including six centuries and 16 half-centuries. If England are looking for an experienced player to guide the side on a temporary basis following the uncertainty surrounding Ben Stokes, Duckett could emerge as a strong candidate for the role.

Jacob Bethell

Another exciting candidate for England's future leadership group is Jacob Bethell. The 22-year-old batting all-rounder has quickly established himself as one of the country's brightest young talents and is already being viewed as a potential captain for the next generation of English cricket.

Bethell is a versatile cricketer who offers value in all three departments of the game. A fluent left-handed batter, he has impressed in a variety of batting positions, while his tidy left-arm spin and outstanding fielding have made him an important asset to the side. His composure under pressure and ability to deliver in crucial situations have earned praise from teammates, selectors, and coaches alike.

The youngster has also shown promising leadership qualities during his early career. Having captained England in ODI cricket at a young age, Bethell demonstrated maturity beyond his years. His reputation has grown even further after scoring a match-winning century during the Ashes series in Australia, a knock that strengthened his place in the England setup and highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Although he may still be a few years away from becoming a full-time Test captain, Bethell is firmly in England's long-term leadership plans. In just seven Test matches, he has scored 496 runs at an average of 38.15, including one century and three half-centuries, while also contributing with the ball. If England are searching for a future leader capable of guiding the team for the next decade, Bethell could be one of the strongest candidates.

At present, Ben Stokes remains England's Test captain, and there has been no official confirmation from the ECB regarding any disciplinary action. However, the ongoing situation has inevitably sparked discussions about England's leadership future and who could take over if Stokes decides to step down or is removed from the role.

England have several strong candidates capable of leading the Test side. Harry Brook appears to be the frontrunner due to his current role as vice-captain and his growing leadership experience. Meanwhile, Joe Root offers proven captaincy credentials, while Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett provide additional leadership depth within the squad.

The ECB's eventual decision could have a significant impact on the future of England's Test team. Whether the selectors choose the experience of Root, the continuity offered by Brook, or invest in a younger option such as Jacob Bethell, the coming weeks could play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of English cricket.