England’s disappointing ICC Champions Trophy campaign saw them lose all three group matches, leading to their elimination and the resignation of white-ball captain Jos Buttler. With concerns about the team’s future, just three years after their T20 World Cup win and six years since their ODI World Cup victory, England is now looking for a new captain.

In an interview with Sky Sports, England’s managing director, Rob Key, talked about possible candidates for the captaincy, including the idea of Ben Stokes returning to white-ball cricket and taking on the role, alongside his Test captaincy.

“I believe nothing should be ruled out. You evaluate every possibility and ask yourself, ‘What’s the best approach?’ Ben Stokes is one of the finest captains I’ve ever seen, so it would be foolish not to consider him. The real question is the ripple effect of making that decision.”

Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have taken England to new heights in the longest format of the game. McCullum is England’s all-format coach.

Stokes has largely focused on red-ball cricket in recent years, prioritizing injury recovery and the long-term sustainability of his career, given his status as one of the sport’s premier all-rounders.

While Stokes played a pivotal role in England’s ODI World Cup victory and remains one of the senior figures in the squad, Key confirmed that England would take their time before making a decision, and will consider younger players as part of their captaincy options.

“The important thing is to select the right person for the role, someone who has the ability to guide the team towards success, We’re not rushing this decision. We’ll take our time and think it through.”

Key also mentioned several names that the England management is looking at for the future, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

“We have a strategy in place, considering a variety of candidates. Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook will be considered for the role. There are many candidates. While Livingstone and Salt have faced some criticism, Brook is still viewed as the team’s future, despite his ordinary showing in the Champions Trophy.”

England’s next ODI series will be a home series against the West Indies at the end of May.