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“He’s going to captain from the field” – Brendon McCullum on Jos Buttler’s new role ahead of IND vs ENG T20I series 2025
By SMCS - Jan 21, 2025 10:20 am
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England head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that veteran batter Jos Buttler will not keep wickets in the upcoming T20I series against India. McCullum also said that they want to allow Buttler to speak to the bowler when he feels the need as well. With Phil Salt and Jamie Smith also in the squad as wicketkeepers, one of them is likely to do the job. Salt, who has been excellent in T20Is, is likely to open the innings with Jos Buttler.

Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler played a captain’s knock

At a presser on Monday, Brendon McCullum said, as quoted by Sky Sports, “The one thing he [Buttler] won’t be doing in this series is keeping wicket, he’s going to captain from the field. 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.”

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Despite Jos Buttler facing a difficult time as captain in the last two ICC events, McCullum hopes the keeper-batter to enjoy the next few years in the role as well.

Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler

He said, as quoted by BBC Sport: “He is excited about the team we have got and the opportunity that sits in front of us. I am sure we will see Jos over the next couple of years really enjoy himself and finish with a real strong enjoyment of the game at the back end of his career.”