LONDON: Harry Brook has been appointed as England`s new white-ball captain, with team chief Rob Key lauding his `excellent cricket brain`.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday that Brook would lead both the Oneday International and T20 teams.

The 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman was the favourite to succeed Jos Buttler, who stood down in February after a woeful ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan ended with England failing to reach the semifinals.

England failed to retain either their T20 or 50-over World Cup titles under Buttler`s captaincy.

Brook was already Buttler`s deputy and stood in as skipper during an ODI series against Australia in September.

Unlike several other potential candidates, Brook is also a first-choice selection across all formats.

Concerns had been raised about whether it would hamper Brook`s career as a Test batsman were he to be given the white-ball captaincy.

England director of men`s cricket Key even floated the idea that Test skipper Ben Stokes could take over as captain in the shorter formats as well while speaking during a press conference at Lord`s last month.

But 33-year-old all-rounder Stokes is currently recovering from a second major hamstring tear in the space of six months and should now be able to concentrate solely on getting ready for upcoming red-ball series at home to India and away to Australia.

Stokes was one of the first to publicly endorse Brook`s appointment, with England`s red-ball skipper tweeting: `Yes Brooky lad` above a story confirming the England rising star`s new role.

Brook has played 26 ODIs for England, scoring 816 runs at an average of 34.00, with a top score of 110. In T20s, he has earned 44 caps and made a highest score of 81. He was also a member of the England team that won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

`It`s a real honour to be named England`s white-ball captain,` said Brook. `Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley-in-Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.

He added: `There`s so much talent in this country, and I`m looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups and major events.

Key said: `I`m delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England`s white-ball captain across both formats.

He`s been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected.

`Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer, but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments.

Brook will begin his reign as full-time white-ball captain with an ODI series against West Indies, starting at Edgbaston on May 29. That will be followed by a threematch T20 series.-AFP