‘England captain in the making’ Harry Brook taking tips from Ben Stokes
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In Stokes’ injury-enforced absence, Ollie Pope has overseen a Test series win over Sri Lanka with a match to spare but his “personality” has been questioned by Ashes 2005-winning skipper Michael Vaughan. He even briefly captained Stokes before the all-rounder’s summer-ending hamstring tear but when asked whether he was ready to take the reins again, Brook said cryptically: “We’ll see.” Brook has taken inspiration from working alongside Flintoff and Stokes, who has earned rave reviews alongside Test head coach Brendon McCullum for ushering in a more relaxed, positive atmosphere. We bonded fairly well and we agreed on most things.” Brook could resume his blossoming friendship with Flintoff this week, with the former talismanic all-rounder set to join England’s backroom staff for the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Oval. “It’s frustrating to get starts obviously but I feel like I’m batting really well and hopefully it’s just a matter of time when a big one comes,” Brook added.