- Jos Buttler replaced Eoin Morgan as England’s white-ball captain in June 2022
- His reign started positively as England won the World T20 in November 2022
- But, they crashed out of the group stage at the World Cup and Champions Trophy
England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has announced that he will step down at the end of the Champions Trophy following his side’s disappointing campaign in Pakistan.
England were beaten in their first two games of the competition by Australia and Afghanistan as they crashed out in the group stages of the tournament in what was the latest mishap in a run of poor form across both white-ball formats.
Buttler, who is one of England’s greatest white-ball batters of all time, announced the decision at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against South Africa.
‘Just to let you all know I’m going to stand down as England captain,’ he said. ‘It’s the right decision for me and the team and hopefully somebody else can come in and work closely alongside Baz (McCullum) to get it where it needs to be.
‘It’s quite clear that this tournament was going to be important results wise for my captaincy and obviously two losses and being out of the tournament were a bit of a hangover of some tournaments before.’
When pressed on the reasons behind his decision, a downbeat Buttler provided further clarity.
England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has announced that he will step down as captain
Buttler’s resignation comes after England crashed out of the Champions Trophy this week
Buttler announced his decision at a press conference before tomorrow’s game vs South Africa
‘I’ve probably reached the end of the road for me and my captaincy which is a shame and I’m sad about that,’ he added.
‘And obviously Brendon coming in recently, I was really excited about that and to work closely with him and hope for a very quick turnaround and take the team forward.
‘But it’s not quite worked out that way but it feels like it’s the right time for me and for the team to have a change.’
Buttler continued: ‘Maybe in time it will be a (relief to make this decision). The overriding emotions are still sort of sadness and disappointment but in time that will pass I’m sure.
‘And I can get back to really enjoying my cricket and I will be able to reflect on what an immense honour it is to captain your country and all the special things that come with that.’
Head coach Brendon McCullum subsequently confirmed that Buttler, who steered England to a T20I World Cup title during his stewardship, will lead the side for their final game of the tournament against South Africa.
England have lost 15 of their last 21 ODIs in a malaise that has stretched back a few years after their previously all-conquering side became the first team to hold both the ODI and T20I World Cups at the same time.
However, their defence of the ODI title in 2023 was disastrous as England finished seventh in the 10-team group stage after winning three out of their nine games.
Buttler (C) guided England to T20 World Cup glory months into his tenure in November 2022
However, they have lost 15 of their past 21 ODIs and struggled in three successive tournaments
Buttler’s side did reach the semi-finals at the T20I World Cup in the Caribbean last summer, but England beat only Oman, Namibia, West Indies and the United States at the tournament.
Harry Brook has been widely tipped to take over the role having stood in for Buttler during the summer series with Australia, although the Yorkshireman is relatively inexperienced in the ODI format.
The 26-year-old is a generational talent, yet he averages just 34.65 in ODIs – and has scored 78 runs across his past five matches.
After the Champions Trophy, England’s next white-ball assignment comes in May when they take on West Indies in a three-match ODI and T20 series.
England will also face South Africa and Ireland in white-ball series’ in September.
