Billings backs Brook for England captaincy

Jos Buttler, who led England's white-ball teams from 2022, stepped down following a group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, England's director of men’s cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum have chosen to keep their options open regarding appointing a captain from outside the current squad, with Key stating that "nothing is off the table."

And Billings thinks big-hitting Brook, who has previously stood in for Buttler as captain, would be a strong choice.

"People get so caught up with recency bias and Harry Brook is still a very young player, and will be a superstar of the game for the next 10 years," Billings said at an ECB event launching the new domestic season.

"But I was very impressed with his captaincy last year [against Australia]. He managed the game really well and is tactically quite astute.

"From a development point of view, I think he will grow into a really good captain. It probably just comes down to workload for England."

Jos Buttler has announced he will step down as England Men's white ball captain.More details

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 28, 2025

Billings, 33, last played for England in a bilateral ODI series against Australia in November 2022. Since making his international debut in 2015, he has featured in three Tests, 28 ODIs, and 37 T20Is.

Despite a lay-off from international cricket, Billings brings significant captaincy experience from leading Kent and Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, along with honing leadership skills on the franchise circuit.

Billings previously said he would "jump at the chance" to captain his country, but no call has so far been forthcoming.

"I haven't spent too much time thinking about it. I haven't played for England in over two years," Billings said.

"I have been playing well, playing some good cricket and I'm at a really enjoyable stage of my career."