Harry Brook has been named as England's new white-ball captain, with Rob Key, the team’s director of cricket, praising his "exceptional cricketing intelligence."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Monday that Brook, aged 26, will take charge of both the one-day international (ODI) and T20 teams.

The Yorkshire batsman had long been the favourite to succeed Jos Buttler, who stepped down from the role in February following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in Pakistan, which saw England fail to reach the semi-finals. Under Buttler’s leadership, England were unable to retain either their T20 or 50-over World Cup titles.

Brook, who had already served as Buttler's deputy, briefly took over as captain during an ODI series against Australia last September. Unlike several other contenders for the role, Brook is firmly established as a first-choice selection across all formats.

There had been concerns about whether taking on the white-ball captaincy would hinder Brook’s development as a Test batsman. Director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, had even suggested that Test captain Ben Stokes might be considered for the role in the shorter formats during a press conference at Lord's last month.

However, Stokes, who is recovering from a second significant hamstring injury in as many months, is now expected to focus entirely on preparing for England’s upcoming red-ball series, which includes home fixtures against India and an away series against Australia.

Brook has already played 26 ODIs for England, accumulating 816 runs at an average of 34.00, with a top score of 110. In T20 cricket, he has earned 44 caps, with a highest score of 81. He was also part of the England team that triumphed in the 2022 T20 World Cup.

“It’s a real honour to be named as England’s white-ball captain,” Brook commented. “Since I was a child, playing cricket at Burley-in-Wharfedale, I’ve dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and perhaps one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.”

He continued, “There is so much talent in this country, and I’m eager to get started, to move the team forward, and to work towards winning series, World Cups, and major tournaments.”

Key expressed his delight at Brook’s appointment, saying, “I’m thrilled that Harry has accepted the role of white-ball captain for both formats. He’s been part of our succession planning for some time, although this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected. Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer but also possesses an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards more series victories, World Cups, and major global events.”

Brook will begin his tenure as full-time white-ball captain with an ODI series against the West Indies, which is set to start at Edgbaston on 29th May. This will be followed by a three-match T20 series.