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England‘s campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 ended in disappointment as they were knocked out of the tournament following defeats against Australia and Afghanistan. Their elimination from the semifinal race has raised serious questions about Jos Buttler‘s future as the captain of England’s white-ball side. Many cricketing experts believe that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may soon look for a new leader to take charge of the limited-overs setup. But who could replace Buttler? Former England captain Nasser Hussain has a clear answer.
Nasser Hussain names the next England captain
In his column for the Daily Mail, Hussain backed young batter Harry Brook as the ideal candidate to succeed Buttler as England’s white-ball captain. However, he also acknowledged that England must tread carefully when handing over the responsibility to the 25-year-old.
“Harry Brook would be my choice as England’s next limited-overs captain now it’s clearly time to move on from Jos Buttler,” wrote Hussain.
Hussain further stated that Buttler’s comments after England’s early exit suggested that he might have already reached the end of his tenure as captain.
“If you’re having to think about being England captain, as Buttler said he would be after Champions Trophy elimination earlier this week, you probably know you’re done,” he added.
The former England skipper also highlighted a key issue with leadership transition in the current setup, pointing out that the lack of domestic 50-over cricket in England has left the team with limited captaincy options.
Also READ: UK media calls for Buttler and McCullum’s resignation following England’s early exit from Champions Trophy 2025
Hussain explains why England must be cautious with captaincy transition
While backing Brook for the leadership role, Hussain also warned that England must be mindful of the young batter’s workload, especially with a packed Test schedule ahead. Brook, who captained England in an ODI series against Australia last year, is a key member of the red-ball squad, and England have crucial Test assignments, including a home series against India and the Ashes.
“And there would be issues with appointing Brook. Namely whether, in such an important year that includes a home Test series against India and ends with the Ashes, you want to pass on all the burdens associated with leading a struggling side onto a young man and make his life a bit more difficult as a result,” explained Hussain.
With England attempting to integrate more Test players into their limited-overs setup, the decision to appoint Brook as captain requires careful consideration.
“England are trying to go in a direction where they’re playing a lot of their Test players in the limited-overs sides. Do they want that with the captain as well? That is another question,” Hussain concluded.
