‘England should consider Brook when Stokes is out’

If Ben Stokes spends more time watching from the sidelines, England should consider replacing him, according to former skipper Michael Vaughan.

Due to a shoulder injury, vice-captain Ollie Pope will miss the final Test against India at The Oval.

Before the Ashes series in Australia kicks off in November, the 34-year-old’s recovery is expected to last about eight weeks.

With his first series in full-time action against West Indies, Yorkshire’s Brook won this year as England’s white ball captain.

“Harry Brook appears to be a leader,” I thought. He appears to be a natural leader, Vaughan claimed on the podcast Test Match Special.

Vaughan is regarded as one of England’s finest captains, who spearheaded the infamous Ashes series victory in 2005. He won 26 of his 51 Tests in charge between 2003 and 2008.

He continued, “I look at someone like Ollie Pope, who looks fantastic as vice-captain.” He has a brilliant mind and can think creatively next to the captain. Vice-captains occasionally lack leadership skills.

You wouldn’t want to give Marcus Trescothick the captaincy, even though he was a fantastic vice-captain for me.

For the fifth time in a Test, Pope, 27, is leading England. Before that, he had a hamstring injury last year that caused him to stand in.

The home side must overcome adversity to win the crucial fifth Test under Pope. The third day came to a close with a score of 50-1 after being given a target of 374 to defeat India, which would represent their second-highest successful chase in a Test.

England rested on the seamers Josh Tongue, Jamie Overton, and Gus Atkinson on Saturday, leaving out Chris Woakes for the injured.

England were hindered by six dropped catches, despite eventually being able to dismiss India for 396 in their second innings.

England is in this position because Ollie Pope is not to blame for this. The dropped catches are what, Vaughan said.

He nipped off the field a few times, he said. Although it might have been for a rest, it appeared he was taking tactical advice.

Three years ago at Edgbaston, England recorded its highest run of 378 against India. In Headingley, they also triumphed over 371 in the first Test of the series against the same foes.

Tongue remarked, “We’re pretty chilled.” There won’t be any excessive reflection on it.

At Headingley, I was asked the same question. I don’t understand why we can’t stop these attacks.