Harry Brook is set to be named England's new T20 captain whilst remaining locked in a two-horse race with Ben Stokes for the ODI role.
The 26-year-old is poised to take over the T20 reins following Jos Buttler's resignation at the end of February after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign.
England's management appear certain to turn to Brook for the T20 captaincy ahead of next year's World Cup in India.
The ODI captaincy, however, remains undecided with both Brook and Test skipper Stokes still in contention.
Harry Brook had been Jos Buttler's vice-captain
PA
Brook, who served as Buttler's vice-captain, is considered a key player across all three formats for England.
He recently withdrew from the Indian Premier League, citing his desire to "fully commit" to upcoming England action.
Despite his potential, Brook endured a difficult tour of India and Pakistan earlier this year.
If handed both white-ball captaincy roles, Brook would face a significant workload across all formats at a crucial stage in his development.
The young Yorkshireman impressed when stepping in for the injured Buttler during an ODI series against Australia last September.
Stokes, meanwhile, brings considerable experience as Test captain, with 19 wins from 31 matches since taking over three years ago.
England's managing director Rob Key recently stated they would be "stupid" not to consider Stokes for the white-ball leadership alongside all-format coach Brendon McCullum.
However, the 33-year-old is currently recovering from his second serious hamstring injury in five months.
Stokes has effectively become a Test specialist, not having played an ODI since 2023 or a T20 international since 2022.
His fitness remains a significant concern ahead of legacy-defining Test series against India and Australia.
Both candidates present distinct advantages and challenges for the ODI captaincy role.
Ben Stokes' fitness issues have proved a problem
GettyStokes offers tournament experience with clutch performances in two World Cup victories.
His tactical acumen and established leadership relationship with McCullum are significant assets.
Brook represents England's future, demonstrating tactical intelligence when given leadership opportunities.
Management credit him with a sharp tactical mind, viewing him as Stokes' eventual Test successor.
However, Brook's poor record in India, where the next T20 World Cup takes place, raises concerns.
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Harry Brook has impressed for England during his Test matches so far
GETTYFor both men, workload management across formats will be crucial ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
England's next white-ball fixtures come in June against West Indies, with three ODIs and three T20s scheduled.
These matches fall between the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in May and the crucial five-match series against India beginning on 20 June.
Stokes is unlikely to be fit for county cricket before the Zimbabwe Test, according to Durham coach Ryan Campbell.
The next global tournaments include a T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next spring, followed by an ODI World Cup in South Africa in autumn 2027.
