Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the England Test captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement, Eoin Morgan has identified Harry Brook as the "front-runner" for the role. Morgan suggests separating captaincy duties, stating Brook should lead the Test side while another player takes on the white-ball captaincy, citing the immense toll the Test job took on Stokes.

Michael Atherton, however, expressed concern over England's perceived lack of leadership depth, questioning the planning for future captains. He believes the team needs a "critical mass of senior players" to drive performance and culture. Atherton also stated his certainty that the Test and white-ball captaincies should be distinct roles to avoid burnout.

Morgan also commented on Stokes' controversial decision to open the batting in his final Test innings, suggesting it "set ablaze everything they'd achieved." The former captain felt the move was unnecessary and detracted from the team's recent legacy, leaving a "sour taste." Brook himself has previously stated the captaincy would be a "great honour."