Harry Brook insists England's white-ball cricket is "heading in the right direction" even after another ODI loss to India at Edgbaston. But when it comes to succeeding Ben Stokes as Test captain, the limited-overs skipper was far more cautious, saying that's a decision for the incoming red-ball head coach.

England came into this series full of confidence after a 4-0 T20I clean sweep over India. But Tuesday's six-wicket defeat means they've now lost 14 of their last 20 ODIs, a worrying stat with next year's 50-over World Cup in southern Africa approaching.

Brook, 27, has previously said he'd have no problem leading England across all three formats. But that was before Brendon McCullum was sacked as Test coach after a run of seven losses in nine Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes thrashing in Australia and a home series defeat to New Zealand that pushed Ben Stokes into retirement.

McCullum remains England's white-ball coach, but his Test exit stung Brook deeply.

"It was obviously disappointing for me. Brendon has played a massive part in my career," Brook told reporters at Edgbaston. "I've only ever played under him, and he's been awesome for me. The things he did for the Test side were phenomenal. He's going to be missed."

On the captaincy vacancy, Brook played it straight: "It's not up to me to make that decision. Whatever they decide, I'll be fully behind them. I'm enjoying my role as white-ball captain at the minute. We're heading in the right direction. What will be will be."

Names like Andy Flower, who led England to three Ashes wins, and a No.1 Test ranking, and Jonathan Trott have been floated as potential successors. But Brook's immediate focus is Cardiff, where England must win to keep the series alive.

"We lost five wickets for 20 runs, which made a massive difference," he admitted. "But the World Cup is a long way away. Hopefully we come back stronger."
"We lost five wickets for 20 runs, which made a massive difference," he admitted. "But the World Cup is a long way away. Hopefully we come back stronger."