Brook as talented as Gower and Pietersen but not ready to be captain - Agnew

Harry Brook showcased a remarkable display of controlled aggression, scoring a fluent 91 off 93 balls on day two of the first Test against Pakistan. This innings marked a significant departure from his previous, more volatile approach, notably during England's Ashes campaign. Gone were the wild swings and charges down the pitch; instead, Brook demonstrated exceptional concentration, punishing loose deliveries while maintaining a solid defense.

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He is a very rare talent who ranks alongside the likes of Kevin Pietersen and David Gower as the most talented I have seen play for England.

This composed performance is particularly noteworthy given that Brook was recently overlooked for the England Test captaincy. While his batting talent is undeniable, drawing comparisons to greats like Kevin Pietersen and David Gower, questions have lingered about his maturity and readiness for leadership. Incidents in Wellington and his past media interactions have led to concerns about his ability to handle the broader responsibilities of representing his country, which extend beyond on-field tactics.

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Yes, Brook has shown himself an able tactician and leader of the white-ball team but at no point did I believe he was ready to be England's Test captain.

Managing director Rob Key and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly considered Brook for the captaincy, but ultimately, Joe Root remained the only viable candidate. Brook's current batting form, however, suggests he is actively working on his game and potentially his temperament. If he continues to mature and demonstrate such control, he could position himself as a strong candidate for captaincy when Joe Root eventually steps down, possibly after next year's Ashes.

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That role is about more than purely the decisions made on the field. It is about representing your country, and sometimes stepping up when needed to talk about difficult topics around the world.

While some may view Brook's innings through the lens of past frustrations, particularly the Ashes disappointment, the focus now shifts to his future development. The onus is on Brook to consistently exhibit this newfound maturity, both with the bat and in his overall conduct, to solidify his place not just as a talented batsman but as a potential leader for England.

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Brook has not shown he has the maturity to do that part of the job, meaning Joe Root was the only candidate. The hierarchy had no choice.