Ben Stokes 5/1 to captain England in Ashes next summer

Harry Brook is the early favourite with William Hill to captain England in next year’s Ashes campaign at 7/4, with Joe Root 9/4 and Ben Stokes 5/1 to make a surprise return to the role.

Brook heads the market to lead England into the first Test of the 2027 Ashes series, narrowly ahead of former captain Root.

Stokes, who announced his retirement from international cricket yesterday, is third in the betting at 5/1 to again skipper the side, placing him just ahead of Jacob Bethell and Ben Duckett, who are both quoted at 7/1. Ollie Pope is 9/1, with other options at 10/1 and bigger.

William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “There seems to be little consensus on who will take the reins as England’s next Test captain and we go 5/1 that Ben Stokes will skipper the side in next year’s Ashes series.

“While Harry Brook leads the betting at 7/4, with Joe Root (9/4) narrowly behind him, Stokes’ position in the betting suggests there are more twists and turns yet to come from this saga.”

England Captain for First Ashes Test 2027 Odds:

• Harry Brook – 7/4

• Joe Root – 9/4

• Ben Stokes – 5/1

• Jacob Bethell – 7/1

• Ben Duckett – 7/1

• Ollie Pope – 9/1

• BAR – 10/1

Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing.