Should Ben Stokes Lead England's White-Ball Teams? Vaughan Calls It 'Absolute Nonsense'

England's White-Ball Captaincy Dilemma

Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Ben Stokes has been England's Test captain since 2022.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has vehemently opposed the idea of Ben Stokes taking up white-ball leadership roles, calling the notion "absolute nonsense" and "selfish." With Jos Buttler stepping down in February, discussions about Stokes potentially leading England's limited-overs sides have intensified.

The Contenders: Stokes vs. Brook

The Telegraph reports that Harry Brook is likely to become England's T20 captain, leaving the 50-over role open for debate between Brook and Stokes. However, BBC Sport confirms no official decisions have been made yet.

Key concerns surrounding Stokes:

Injury history: Stokes is recovering from hamstring surgery and hasn't played white-ball cricket since 2023.
Workload management: A packed 2025 schedule includes a home series against India and the Ashes in Australia—critical for his Test captaincy legacy.
Vaughan's stance: "Let him get the Ashes urn in his hands. Why risk his body for white-ball cricket?"

Stokes' Leadership Pedigree

Stokes has revitalized England’s Test team since 2022 and boasts a stellar white-ball résumé:

2019 ODI World Cup final: Match-winning performance.
2022 T20 World Cup final: Pivotal role in England’s triumph.

Brook's Emerging Candidacy

While Brook captained England in five ODIs last year, concerns remain:

Experience: Still establishing himself in white-ball cricket.
Media maturity: Past comments like "who cares?" after an ODI loss drew criticism.
Workload: A key Test player, additional captaincy duties could strain his fitness.

Vaughan’s Counterargument

"If Brook is ready for T20 leadership, he’s ready for ODIs too," Vaughan asserted during the Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s. "The 2027 ODI World Cup is the goal—why split roles?"

The Bigger Picture

England’s director of cricket, Rob Key, insists Stokes remains a contender, but Vaughan warns: "Don’t ask Stokes—he’ll say yes, but his body won’t thank him." The decision could shape England’s fortunes in both Test and limited-overs cricket for years to come.