Harry Brook has been named vice-captain for this winter’s Ashes tour after England included the surprise pick of Will Jacks in a 16-man squad for the series in Australia.

Brook’s ascension to Ben Stokes’ deputy in place of Ollie Pope was widely expected after coach Brendon McCullum trailed the idea in a round of media interviews following the end of England’s home summer earlier this month.

Given Brook, 26, is his country’s white-ball captain, the move is no surprise.

Pope’s future

It does, though, put a question mark over Pope’s place in England’s XI for the series against Australia that starts in Perth on 21 November, with Jacob Bethell in contention to take over at No 3.

Jacks’ inclusion

The inclusion of Jacks as the second spinner in the squad ahead of Rehan Ahmed is a shock, esp

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