Brook would accept 'honour' of Test captaincy

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Harry Brook has the highest average of any batter to play Test cricket for England in almost 60 years By Stephan Shemilt Cricket Correspondent at Chester-le-Street Published 7 minutes ago Harry Brook would accept the England Test captaincy and believes it is possible to lead the country in all three formats. England are looking for a new Test skipper after Ben Stokes' retirement and Stokes gave his "100%" backing to Brook becoming his successor. Brook told BBC Sport: "I don't think you can turn down being an England Test captain. "It would be an honour and a privilege to be Test captain – the pinnacle of our sport. "It's not up to me to make that decision. It's up to people well above me. I'd be happy to do it if I did get asked." Brook, 27, was named England white-ball captain last year and was promoted to Stokes' vice-captain in the Test side for last winter's Ashes tour. As Stokes' deputy, he is an obvious candidate to become the 83rd man to lead England in Test cricket, with perhaps Stokes' predecessor Joe Root the only alternative. But Brook already has a heavy workload as one of England's multi-format players, the demands of which are highlighted by the turnaround from the Test series against New Zealand ending on Monday to a five-match T20 series against India beginning at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday. The busy schedule meant Brook only met all-rounder James Coles, who has been given his maiden call-up to an England squad, for the first time at training on Tuesday. The last man to simultaneously lead England in all three formats was Andrew Strauss, in 2009. Strauss' spell in charge of the T20 side lasted for one match. Asked if it is possible to be a three-format captain, Brook replied: "I think it is possible. I'm not saying it would be easy, but I definitely do think it is possible. "The fact I don't play franchise cricket means there are periods in my calendar when I wouldn't be playing cricket. "I'd be focussing on my fitness and getting ready to play all three formats, which has been a dream of mine since I could speak or walk. If I am or I'm not captain for England in Test cricket, I'd be happy to just still be playing for England." England XI for first T20 v India on Wednesday: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood. What next for English cricket, the leadership and Stokes? Published 1 day ago McCullum & Key should go in 'complete clearout' - Vaughan Published 20 hours ago England v India First T20, Chester-le-Street Wednesday, 1 July at 17:30 BST Listen on Sounds Listen ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Live text updates and in-play video clips on the website and app. Highlights on BBC Two and iPlayer from 00:05 BST (2 July) On Monday, England head coach Brendon McCullum said there are "lots of options" to replace