Former England captain Michael Vaughan said Ollie Pope, the stand-in captain of England in the fifth Test at The Oval against India, cannot be Ben Stokes’ successor. He instead named Harry Brook as the one who has the potential to take over the captaincy from the all-rounder in the future, citing the latter’s natural leadership credentials. Brook is a fine batter, scoring an impressive 111 off 98 balls in the second innings of the fifth Test against India. He also shared a 205-run partnership with former captain Joe Root, who also scored a hundred, to put their chase on track against India. England are now 35 runs away from winning the match with four wickets in hand.

"Harry Brook, to me, looks like a leader. He looks like a born leader," Vaughan told BBC’s Test Match Special podcast.

Vaughan, who led England to 26 victories in 51 Tests as captain, said Brook is a better choice for the captaincy than the current vice-captain, Ollie Pope.

"If Ben Stokes is injured in the future, can't Pope stay as vice-captain and Harry Brook get the leadership role?" Brook, who represents Yorkshire, has already demonstrated his leadership credentials, captaining England's white-ball team and securing a victory against the West Indies in his first series.

"I look at someone like Ollie Pope, who looks like a fantastic vice-captain.

He is a brilliant person to have next to the captain to come up with ideas. Sometimes vice-captains aren't brilliant captains," he added.

Comparing Pope with former England opener and current assistant coach Marcus Trescothick, Vaughan said, “Marcus Trescothick was a magnificent vice-captain for me, but you wouldn't want to give him the captaincy.”

Pope, 27, is currently serving as England's Test captain for the fifth time, having previously led the team during Stokes' hamstring injury last year.

"I don't know him well enough, and I'm not in the dressing room. I just want the best captain, who is the best leader, leading the England side. I don't think a good vice-captain will necessarily be a good captain," Vaughan said.

Stokes missed the fifth Test against India due to a torn shoulder muscle.