Jos Buttler revealed as England white-ball captain as he replaces 'inspirational' Morgan

By Sports Desk June 30, 2022

Jos Buttler was appointed England's white-ball captain on Thursday and said he felt "inspired" by the team's achievements during Eoin Morgan's time at the helm.

Long-serving Morgan called a halt to his international career this week after a run of low scores, three years after leading England to Cricket World Cup glory.

England also reached a T20 World Cup final during Morgan's time as skipper, and it will be a tall order for 31-year-old Buttler to deliver such strong results.

Buttler, who recently finished a sensational Indian Premier League season with Rajasthan Royals, served as vice-captain to Morgan and was the obvious choice to step up.

Buttler saluted Morgan's "outstanding leadership over the past seven years" and said: "It has been the most memorable period for everyone involved. He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been fantastic to play under him. There are lots of things that I have learnt from him that I'll take into this role.

"It is a great honour to take over from Eoin, and the place he has left English white-ball cricket in is exciting, and I'm inspired for the challenges ahead.

"There is excellent strength in depth in the white-ball squads, and I'm looking forward to leading the teams out for the series that are coming up against India starting next week and later in July against South Africa.

"It is the greatest honour to captain your country, and when I have had the chance to step in the past, I have loved doing it. I can't wait to take this team forward."

Morgan had described Buttler as an "exceptional leader", and the new appointment was rubber-stamped by England and Wales Cricket Board interim chair Martin Darlow and interim chief executive Clare Connor, after managing director of men's cricket Rob Key made his recommendation.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler has skippered England in 14 previous matches but now has the role on a fixed basis. He has played 151 ODI games, hitting 4,120 runs at an average of 41.20, while scoring 2,140 runs in 88 T20I matches at an average of 34.51.

Key described Buttler as "the perfect choice", adding: "I had no hesitation in offering him the role. Jos has been part of our white-ball set-up for over a decade and was integral in the transformation of the way the team has played its attacking brand of cricket over the past seven years."

A T20 World Cup is coming up in October and November, and the 50-over World Cup takes place 12 months later.

Having chosen Ben Stokes as Test captain, then seen England race to a series victory over New Zealand, Key will hope Buttler has a similarly positive impact.

"He is in the form of his life and is showcasing his talent against the best players and teams in the world," Key said. "I believe the extra responsibility will take his game to a new level and inspire those around him. I'm looking forward to seeing him take us forward. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity."

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