England national cricket team head coach Brendon McCullum has relieved Jos Buttler of wicketkeeping duties ahead of the upcoming T20I series against the Indian national cricket team. He said that the right-hander will not guard and will captain the team from the field.
England national cricket team is all set to clash with Indian national cricket team in a five-match T20I series. The first match of the series is scheduled to be played on Wednesday (February 22) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and preparations are in full swing.
Jos Buttler will be crucial for England against India
The England national cricket team has some big match winners in the squad and with India also having young players in the fray, it promises to be an exciting series. A key member of the team, no doubt, will be Jos Buttler as he has been a beast in T20Is and also has a great record against India.
Jos Buttler, however, will not take over the keeper duties, with one of Phil Salt or Jamie Smith likely to take over the role. Salt has been exceptional in T20Is of late as he has consistently scored runs for the team and is likely to open the innings for the team.
The only thing he [Buttler] won’t work in this series is wicket-keeping, he will captain the field – Brendon McCullum on Jos Buttler
Brendon McCullum confirmed that Jos Buttler will not remain in the series. He said this would allow the captain to talk to the bowlers and added that they have a lot of flexibility in the squad. Speaking about the reports ahead of the first T20I, he explained:
“The only thing he [Buttler] he won’t work in this series is the wicketkeeper, he will be the captain from the field. That’s a really positive thing for us because it gives Jos an opportunity to have the final say with the pitcher and build that relationship in that last second instead of 22 yards away.
“We have a great one [wicketkeeping] options within the page. We have a really good team; we have a lot of flexibility within the group.”
I’m sure we’ll see Jos really enjoy himself over the next few years – Brendon McCullum on Jos Buttler
Brendon McCullum added that he was excited to be part of the team and praised Buttler, saying the skipper will enjoy the next few years. He elaborated:
“He’s excited about the squad we have and the opportunity ahead. I’m sure we’ll see Jos over the next few years really enjoy himself and end up with a real strong enjoyment of the game on the back of his career.”
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