England coach Brendon McCullum has revealed he’s mulling a change to the vice-captaincy of the Test team ahead of the Ashes series against Australia, with Ollie Pope in danger of losing the role.
Harry Brook, who has stepped in to lead England’s white ball teams, looks set to be promoted to 2IC behind Ben Stokes. It could prove a key role Down Under with Stokes still on his way back from injury.
“We will work on that one,” McCullum told the BBC when asked if there would be a new vice-captain for the Ashes. “We will chat about that over the coming days, as we finalise our Ashes squad.
“You’re always looking at things, right? Every time you get together with a series, you discuss things. I think it’s no secret that Harry Brook is emerging as a leader within English cricket, so that’s something we need to work out. But whatever happens, a great team man understands that just because you haven’t got a title, doesn’t stop you from being a leader.”
McCullum and Brook have worked closely together in recent months with the Kiwi coach taking control of the white ball teams along with the Test role.
Brook stepped up to captain the white ball side earlier this year when Jos Buttler resigned in the wake of the team’s Champions Trophy exit.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Brooky, I think he’s taken to the role really well, really quickly. Still a work in progress but he’s got a demanding schedule himself and we have to be aware of that as we move forward,” said McCullum.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s well connected within the group. He keeps things very simple. We’ve got a really good relationship and I think that started well.”
Stokes is recovering from a shoulder injury and although England’s hopes are high that he will be back to full fitness in time for the tour, Stokes has failed to complete any of England’s last four Test series.
“There is a multitude of things which could unfold if that was to happen,” said McCullum on how England would react to a Stokes fitness issue in Australia.
“We have a few thoughts in our head. We all hope it won’t but it may well do so we have a few options up our sleeve.”
England captain Ben Stokes leaves the field after being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav of India during day one of the fifth Test Match between India and England at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The coach said the squad was fairly set in his mind already with the main talking point after the leadership being the role of second spinner behind Shoaib Bashir.
“We need to have a little bit of communication around that, work out exactly what that role is, where we see there may be an opportunity,” McCullum told Test Match Special.
“It may only be in one Test, or if something happens to Shoaib Bashir. We need to finesse that a little bit. Outside of that, I’d say we’re pretty certain of what we want.”
Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is considered frontrunner to win selection, although left-armer Liam Dawson was in the squad for the final two Tests against India recently.
McCullum, meanwhile, confirmed England will not take a specialist back-up wicketkeeper to Jamie Smith, with Pope able to deputise if required.
He said England could take as many as seven specialist seamers, meaning the squad would include 17 players. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue are all set to be included, with two others in the mix.
Brendon McCullum. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
“It’s a pretty easy squad to pick really,” said McCullum. “It’s pretty settled.
“It’s a long time, this tour. There are a lot of breaks between Tests, which we’ll have to manage as best we can. Make sure guys can dip in and dip out of the intensity and spotlight, and still be able to enjoy themselves.
“There is lots to look forward to. There is lots of preparation that has gone into it. Now it’s time to get it on.”
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