Harry Brook backed as possible future England captain by Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid has backed Harry Brook to flourish as Northern Superchargers captain and admitted it could potentially be the start of a journey to leading England in the future.

The Hundred franchise announced Brook as their skipper for the 2024 tournament earlier in July and the 25-year-old will assume the role for Tuesday’s fixture against Southern Brave at Headingley.

Brook, who has previously led England’s Under-19 team and is third in the ICC Test batting rankings, was made captain over more experienced figures and it occurred amid speculation he could be in the running to replace national white-ball captain Jos Buttler.

England team-mate Rashid told the PA news agency: “With Brooky having the captaincy, it is something fresh and hopefully looking forward into the future it is something I personally believe he can take (forward).

“He will bring that calmness, that clarity, obviously he will bring those world-class skills as a player.

“It is an exciting time for him to lead the Superchargers, the first time he is doing it, but he has all the backing of everyone here.

“Potentially (it could lead to the England captaincy). Everyone starts somewhere.

“Some captains started at 22 or 23, got into that role and become captain of more squads and teams as they got better, with more experience and they gained more confidence. When that happens, naturally they go on further and represent England (as captain).

“This is definitely a starter for him to captain here at the Superchargers and it is just about getting that experience. I am sure he will be a captain that is calm, but is positive and looks at things in a positive manner.”

What adds further intrigue to Brook being made Superchargers captain is the fact he will partner up with Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, who has been made head coach of the franchise.

It is Flintoff’s first head coach role in the sport after he only returned to cricket last year following a horror crash at the end of 2022 while filming for the BBC show Top Gear, but he has been a regular fixture around the England set-up since and has been touted as a replacement for under-fire Matthew Mott.

“I think Fred is a natural leader,” Rashid reflected.

“When he does speak, people listen and get inspired by his talk, by the language he uses, which is a big positive. To listen to someone who has been there, done it, I am sure he will do wonders.

“He also brings something fresh, something new as to how he looks at cricket as a coach with that enjoyment factor, that freedom to express yourself. So far he has fitted in really well.

“Both Fred and Brooky are very calm individuals, but also very confident, very positive and fearless characters.

“I am sure them two will complement each other really well on and off the pitch. We have a great bunch of lads here in terms of cricketing ability and minds so hopefully everything clicks well.”

Ex-England captain Flintoff tasted defeat in his maiden match on Friday, but will soon have Ben Stokes available and in multiple World-Cup winner Rashid the overall leading wicket taker in the competition with 31 scalps.

Last week, the Yorkshire spinner had a mural unveiled at Bradford Cricket Ground and is excited for the 100-ball tournament to attract more fans to the sport.

Rashid acknowledged: “Yeah, it’s a great feeling.

“Hopefully young kids see it and are inspired to potentially play cricket and become a professional. Knowing it is possible regardless of where you come from, religion, race or background, it is doable.”