Jos Buttler to captain from the field as Brendon McCullum seeks new wicketkeeper for India white-ball tour
England to play three ODIs and five T20s on white-ball tour of India this January and February before next month's ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan
Monday 20 January 2025 15:09, UK
Brendon McCullum says Jos Buttler will captain England from the field instead of wicketkeeper on their white-ball tour of India.
Test head McCullum is looking to rejuvenate England's limited-overs teams after their surrender of both World Cup crowns.
His reign starts in Kolkata with the first of five T20s against India on Wednesday evening before three ODIs conclude preparations for next month's ICC Champions Trophy.
While England have not settled on an XI, wicketkeeper duties will go to Phil Salt or Jamie Smith, with captain Buttler preparing to resume his role as a specialist batter at number three.
"The one thing he [Buttler] won't be doing in this series is keeping wicket, he's going to captain from the field," former New Zealand captain McCullum told a press conference on Monday.
"That's a really positive thing for us because it gives Jos the opportunity to have the last say with the bowler and to have that relationship build at that last second instead of being 22 yards away.
"We've got great [wicketkeeping] options within the side. We've got a really good squad; we've got lots of flexibility within the group. We've got heaps of options and it's about piecing it all together which gives us the best chance."
Buttler seemed to have rediscovered his mojo after returning from a long injury lay-off in the Caribbean before Christmas, having cut a doleful figure in their twin World Cup disappointments, and McCullum suggested the 34-year-old might still have his best days in front of him.
"Sometimes when you get that opportunity to lead in the latter part of your career, there's times where you can be a little bit desperate for success," said McCullum, who confirmed Harry Brook as England's white-ball vice-captain.
"That can create frustration and it doesn't become quite as enjoyable. If you can let yourself go a little bit with nothing to prove, other than trying to get the best out of those around you, sometimes it can free your game up even more and you can end up performing really strongly.
"Jos is excited about the next little while and I'm sure you'll see him smile when we're out on the field. His best years could definitely be ahead of him."
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