Who could take over as England Test captain? Stokes' future in doubt

What the ECB has described as a “a breach of team protocol” involving Ben Stokes has cast doubt his position as England Test captain.

The incident, also involving England fast bowler Gus Atkinson, took place in the early hours of the morning following England's victory over New Zealand at Lord's.

ESPNCricinfo have reported that "Stokes is currently considering his future as captain" and, even if he doesn't opt to resign, his reign as skipper does look to be heading towards its conclusion.

We take a look at what options England have should Stokes time as captain come to an end...

Harry Brook given permanent captaincy

If Harry Brook is to step up from his role as vice-captain to the full-time job, then it would be a truly extraordinary turn of events.

The "breach of protocol" that Stokes and Atkinson are guilty of relates to a midnight curfew imposed on players on the evening of Test matches, a curfew only in place because of a similar incident that saw Brook fined and given a final warning when touring New Zealand last year.

While Brook, who serves as England's white-ball captain, is the obvious choice; can the hierarchy afford to appoint a captain who is arguably guilty of a misdemeanor more serious than that committed by the man he is set to replace?

On the flip side, Brook did show signs of maturity when he guided England to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

Either way, Brook is by far the most likely choice for coach Brendon McCullum and director Rob Key.

Joe Root handed interim charge

With England extremely thin on the ground when it comes to leadership options; would it be wise to nominate Joe Root as interim captain whilst they ponder a more permanent solution?

Root's character would bring some much needed stability and calm to the situation.

However, there are multiple factors that would get in the way...

Firstly, Root himself may not want to shoulder the responsibility having given it up in 2022 and then McCullum might not be keen on returning to a player who led a regime that he has tried so hard to get away from.

Finally, Root has arguably been the best batter in the world since giving up the captaincy and would surely be hesitant to put his golden run of form at risk.

An appointment from left field

As previously stated, the England hierarchy don't have a whole lot of options when it comes to leadership within the setup.

Plenty of the current crop have either been guilty of disciplinary issues of their own or are just far too inexperienced to take on such an intense position.

One option would be to hand Root interim charge before appointing Jacob Bethell as Stokes' ultimate successor. McCullum and Key have shown extreme faith in Bethell before, making him the youngest-ever player to captain England when he skippered the side in a T20I series against Ireland in 2025.

It would be a risk, not just for the team itself but also Bethell's long-term prospects as a player due to the huge weight that would be placed on his shoulders at just 22.

However, McCullum and Key are not alone in showing immense faith in Bethell with Birmingham Phoenix naming him as captain for their upcoming Hundred campaign.