Buttler’s backing Morgan to carry on as ODI captain
JOS Buttler was bemused at speculation over Eoin Morgan’s England future, insisting everything the limited-overs captain has achieved ‘doesn’t just go away overnight’.
Morgan led the country to a first 50-over World Cup title in 2019, but he is without a half-century in one-day internationals and Twenty20s in almost a year.
He registered two successive ducks against the Netherlands and missed yesterday’s eight-wicket victory which completed a 3-0 ODI clean sweep due to a tight groin.
But even if form and fitness issues persist, Buttler, who stood in as skipper against the Dutch, insisted Morgan retains the team’s backing.
“There’s certainly no questioning of his position from within the camp,” said the Lancashire wicketkeeper, whose unbeaten 86 from 64 deliveries helped England overhaul a victory target of 245 in just 30.1 overs.
“I can’t put into words what he’s achieved. Everyone always talks about his captaincy but you forget what a brilliant batsman he’s been for England in over 200 ODIs, that doesn’t just go away overnight. Everyone in the team is backing him.”
Test captain Ben Stokes was even more forthright in his defence of his white-ball counterpart.
“Well, he’s only had two low scores so I wouldn’t say he’s going through a hard time at the moment,” said Stokes on the eve of England’s third Test against New Zealand at Headingley, which starts today.
“People are allowed to not score many runs and more than that he’s our captain. He’s a phenomenal leader and always will be so I’ve got no issues with anything going on with him at the moment.”
Buttler finished the series against the Netherlands joint-top of the run-charts alongside Red Rose teammate Phil Salt with 248.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Anderson will sit out the final Test against New Zealand with an ankle injury.
The 39-year-old complained of pain in the joint following back-to-back victories over the Kiwis at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.
In his place Jamie Overton will make his debut after edging out twin brother Craig for the spot.
“Obviously Jimmy and Jamie are completely different bowlers, but it’s a great opportunity for us to look at an England side with someone who can bowl fast in it,” said Stokes.