Brook takes the reins in both ODI and T20I formats following Jos Buttler\u2019s resignation after England\u2019s disappointing Champions Trophy group-stage exit. At 26, Brook represents the next generation of English cricket leadership, having already served as vice-captain and taken charge during an ODI series against Australia last year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s the right move not to have overburdened Stokes. He has a clear project with the Test team and at 33, his body is creaking a bit. Hamstring injuries have already kept him out for long periods recently, so giving him more responsibility wouldn\u2019t have been wise,\u201d Atherton told Sky Sports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Stokes' importance to England\u2019s red-ball resurgence under Brendon McCullum is clear and with a home Test series against India and an away Ashes looming, the ECB appears intent on keeping their talismanic skipper fit and focused.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat Test project has been largely successful. It will ultimately be defined by the Ashes in Australia and the India series at home this summer. Keeping Stokes laser-focused on that is crucial,\u201d Atherton added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brook, though relatively inexperienced as a captain, has been a consistent performer in England\u2019s white-ball setup. He has scored 816 runs in 26 ODIs at an average of 34.00 and has 44 T20I caps. His hundred and two half-centuries in the Australia series last September came while leading the side, suggesting he can handle the dual burden.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe did a pretty good job. On that evidence, it didn\u2019t affect his game and perhaps even elevated it,\u201d Atherton said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brook\u2019s decision to pull out of the IPL - despite holding a lucrative Rs 6.25 crore contract with Delhi Capitals - further underscored his commitment to England\u2019s international calendar, though it came at the cost of a two-year IPL suspension.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe plays aggressively and with a laid-back demeanour - that\u2019s the McCullum way. And when you remove the radical option of Stokes, there weren\u2019t many viable alternatives. Curran, Billings, Vince - they\u2019re not nailed-on starters,\u201d Atherton noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The task ahead for Brook is substantial. Beyond his batting, he must now manage a team navigating transition and recent underperformance. Atherton cautioned that the leadership role comes with intense scrutiny.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe plays aggressively and with a laid-back demeanour - that\u2019s the McCullum way. And when you remove the radical option of Stokes, there weren\u2019t many viable alternatives. Curran, Billings, Vince - they\u2019re not nailed-on starters,\u201d Atherton noted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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