Harry Brook directly addresses England captaincy snub days before Pakistan series as Joe Root claim made

England are set to square off with Pakistan across three five-day Tests, beginning on August 19 and finishing on September 13.

It is a series that the English come into as favourites, as they are ranked the fifth best Test team in cricket, while Pakistan are the seventh; however, it should be noted that the Asian nation beat the English in their last Test series in October 2024.

Fans of England will see a change of captaincy for this Test after the retirement of Ben Stokes, with this honour being given to Joe Root.

However, less than two months ago there was a thought that this job could have been given to Harry Brook, but he would miss out, and he has addressed the snub and where he believed the incident where he was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international against New Zealand cost him the captaincy.

Speaking to the BBC, Brook said: “I honestly don't know. I don't really look at it like that.

"The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I'm actually really excited to see what he can do. He's definitely the right man to take over that job. I'm really looking forward to working alongside him."

Stokes told Root (centre) and Brook (right) about his retirement plan before any other England squad members (Image: Getty)

Brook revealed just how difficult he found things following the Wellington incident when it became public knowledge, while he argued that it taught him a lot about what is required to captain England.

He said: “It was a tough period, especially when I was at home, getting ready to face the media.

"I feel like the character that I showed throughout that period to go out there and still perform and lead the white-ball side fairly well - I was proud of myself and the team.

"I don't want to say it's helped me, but it's made me realise how big it is to be England captain. It's not just the leadership on the field. It makes a massive difference if you can lead with responsibility off the field."

While it was Root given this role following Stokes’ retirement, Brook feels that his time in this role will come, particularly after he was named as England white-ball captain last year.

He added: “There are little things you learn throughout your career.

"Obviously, the past few months have been on quite a high scale.

"Having that responsibility now has made a massive difference for me. There is the potential I could be captain, but at this moment in time all I'm focusing on is trying to win a few games of cricket. I will be 1,000% behind Rooty, and I'm really looking forward to what this Test side can do.”