Skipper: Jos Buttler
(Picture: Getty Images)England have confirmed Jos Buttler as their new white-ball captain, replacing Eoin Morgan, who retired earlier this week.
Morgan was a seismic figure in English cricket, leading the limited-overs teams from 2015, including victory at the 2019 World Cup and knockout appearances in the T20 World Cups of 2016 and 2021.
Buttler was Eoin Morgan’s vice-captain for much of his time in charge, and has spent periods as Joe Root’s vice-captain in the Test team, too. He has stood in for nine ODIs, including three on the tour of Bangladesh in 2016 that Morgan sat out, and five T20Is.
The 31-year-old has already enjoyed a storied career in white-ball Internationals, making 151 ODI appearances and 88 in T20Is.
He has 10 ODI centuries, an average above 40 and a strike-rate north of 120. He has been employed in a floating role in the middle order in ODIs, but is now inked in as an opener in T20s. He scored his maiden T20I century last year and made four in the recent IPL with Rajasthan Royals.
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Eoin Morgan for his outstanding leadership over the past seven years,” he 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."
Just like with the Test side, England have not officially appointed a vice-captain. Moeen Ali would be favourite to lead the side if Buttler was missing, but he is 35, and not guaranteed a place in all conditions.
Buttler’s first squad, for next week’s T20s against India, will be named tomorrow. Adil Rashid will miss the matches as he makes a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Buttler’s appointment was ratified on Wednesday evening by the ECB’s interim leadership, CEO Clare Connor and Chair Martyn Darlow, following the recommendation of Rob Key.
“Jos Buttler was the perfect choice to succeed Eoin Morgan as our white-ball captain, and I had no hesitation in offering him the role,” said Key. "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.
"He is well respected in the dressing room by all of his teammates and will relish leading his country. He is in the form of his life and is showcasing his talent against the best players and teams in the world.
"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."
