Sam Curran backs Harry Brook's potential England Test captaincy but coy on whether he would take white-ball role if available
Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook to take over as England Test captain following Ben Stokes' international retirement; all-rounder batted off 'pointless' speculation he may take over as white-ball captain; Curran is interested in replacing Stokes in Test side
Monday 6 July 2026 11:53, UK
Sam Curran has backed Harry Brook to be the next England Test captain, but remained tight-lipped on his own prospects as a potential white-ball skipper should Brook take on the role.
All-rounder Curran could be in the running to take the reins from his team-mate if it is determined that the Yorkshire batter could not hold both the limited overs and red-ball captaincy at the same time.
Tipped for his own Test return amid the retirement of resident all-rounder Ben Stokes, Curran cited Brook's experience and leadership qualities before placing his support behind him to fill the vacancy.
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Curran said: "[Brook] has been amazing with. We've had a really successful six months. It's been really enjoyable.
"He's obviously such a world-class player and only he will know if he can do all three jobs - but my experience with him, it's been amazing. If he does, who knows what will happen.
"He's probably going to be the only guy who can judge whether he can do all of them, but he's a phenomenal player and I'm sure if he does, guys will back him."
Curran currently serves as Surrey's captain in the T20 Vitality Blast and MI London captain in the Hundred, but was quick to fend off suggestions that he could be next in line as international white-ball skipper.
He added: "Well, I don't know, of course. But like I said, Brooky has done an amazing job with us. Everyone's speculating, I think it's pointless in a way.
"Let's just try and crack on with this India series and see how we go, because I think this team's doing really well. [I'll] just enjoy being back in the side - I had time out of it, and it's been great [to be back in]."
With the role of fast-bowling all-rounder in the Test team now up for grabs, Curran did not rule out a comeback to red-ball cricket after five years away from the longer format.
"Stokesy's going to be a big gap to fill for whoever takes that role, but I love playing for England," he said.
"There's obviously going to be a lot of noise on whoever takes that spot. I don't want to put pressure on myself, (but) I'm a competitive person - whatever challenge is thrown at me, I'll try my best.
"So whatever format that is, I'll do my best whenever I can. We've got a big series here, so I'm focused on that and then we'll see what happens later on. I'm feeling good. It's a long summer ahead."
England vs India results and fixtures
All times UK and Ireland, all live on Sky Sports
- First T20 (Durham) - Match abandoned
- Second T20 (Old Trafford) - England won by four wickets
- Third T20 (Trent Bridge) - Tuesday July 7 (5.30pm)
- Fourth T20 (Bristol) - Thursday July 9 (5.30pm)
- Fifth T20 (Southampton) - Saturday July 11 (2.30pm)
- First ODI (Edgbaston - Tuesday July 14 (11am)
- Second ODI (Cardiff) - Thursday July 16 (1pm)
- Third ODI (Lord's) - Sunday July 19 (11am)