Jos Buttler has officially stepped down as captain of England's white-ball cricket teams. He will lead the squad for one final match in the Champions Trophy against South Africa on Saturday, marking the end of his tenure that began in 2022 following Eoin Morgan's international retirement.
Buttler leaves behind a mixed record as captain. He has overseen 44 One Day Internationals (ODIs) with a record of 18 wins, 25 defeats, and one no result. His performance in Twenty20 matches has been more favorable, boasting 26 wins, 22 defeats, and three no results from 51 games. Despite being one of the heroes of England's 2019 World Cup victory, Buttler's leadership has faced challenges, particularly during a significant downturn in form since the start of the 2023 World Cup in India.
The England team reached the semi-finals of the recent T20 World Cup but struggled to find their rhythm in earlier rounds. Buttler's leadership has been further complicated by the absence of key players, as Ben Stokes’ focus on Test cricket has often left the white-ball squad without its best talent. Reflecting on the team's current struggles, Buttler stated, "We have gone out of the Champions Trophy with a bit of a hangover from the tournaments before."
Brendon McCullum, who has combined his roles as Test coach and white-ball coach, acknowledged the impact of Buttler's decision. He shared that he sensed a change was imminent after receiving a message from Buttler requesting a conversation. McCullum remarked, "He sent me a message saying he needed a chat, and I knew then that things were coming to an end." He added that while he initially felt confident about continuing without Buttler, he ultimately recognized that it was the right choice for both the player and the team.
Buttler expressed his emotions following the announcement, stating, "My overriding emotions are sadness and disappointment, but I'm sure in time that will pass and I'll get back to really enjoying my cricket." He also reflected on the honor of leading his country, noting, "It's an immense honor to captain your country and all the special things that come with it."
In light of Buttler's resignation, discussions regarding his successor will soon commence. McCullum is set to engage with Rob Key, managing director of men's cricket, to find a replacement. Harry Brook, who was appointed vice-captain in January and previously led in five ODIs against Australia last year, is considered the frontrunner for the role.
As the team prepares for its final group match in the Champions Trophy, Buttler's departure marks a pivotal moment for English cricket. The upcoming match against South Africa will be critical not only for Buttler's legacy but also for the future direction of the team.
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