England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler has likened it as exciting to work with Brendon McCullum soon. McCullum, the former head coach for the England Test team before the white-ball series against Australia, had stepped into a role covering all formats earlier this September.
Buttler Excited For Brendon McCullum’s Coaching Era In White-Ball Format
With regard to aggressive styles of play, Buttler admitted that his style of cricket fairly fits with ones from McCullum and is looking forward to learning things from the former New Zealand cricketer.
“I have a bit of a relationship with [Brendon McCullum] Baz but I’m looking forward to spending more time with him. I’m looking forward to digging into the cricket side of things. He will help me so much as a captain,” Buttler told Sky Sports during England’s 3rd T20I vs Australia.
“We’re similar in the way we see the game but just getting to spend time with him and opening my eyes to certain things or the other way around. For me, I want this to be the most enjoyable part of my career. I’ve played for a decent amount of time now so maybe a shift in the goalposts of what you really want to achieve and for me that’s helping guys become what they can be and building towards two big events later on,” he further added.
Brendon McCullum: England’s New White-Ball Coach
Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the new coach for both England’s white-ball teams. Earlier, McCullum was handed the responsibility to coach the Test team since May 2022 and his contract has been extended till the end of 2027. From January 2025, he will serve in charge of both Test and white-ball teams starting from England’s white-ball tour of India and rung up to the ICC Champions Trophy.
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Meanwhile, Marcus Trescothick will serve as England’s Interim Head Coach when the country tours Australia and the Caribbean later this year. Much praise has come for McCullum’s work with the Test side. Former captain Eoin Morgan publicly pleaded his case during a presentation to be appointed to the white-ball role. This comes after the resignation of former coach Matthew Mott after England failed to successfully defend their title in the T20 World Cup.
McCullom has been quite thrilled by the new role, deeming it an incredible opportunity to join a strong squad and work closely with the English captain Jos Buttler.
Jos Buttler Out Of ENG Vs AUS ODI Series
Jos Buttler has been ruled out of England vs Australia ODI series due to a calf injury sustained in July, meaning Harry Brook will lead England squad for the first time as they face Australia in a five-match one-day international series.
Harry Brook: The New Captain in ENG Vs AUS ODI Series
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for Brooky to be the captain,” Buttler said. “He is a pretty laid-back character, but I think he has everything in line. He is a really good thinker about it… I’m sure he’ll do that his own way, and he’ll get a feel for those moments [in games]. That’s what we’re encouraging everyone as a side – whether that’s a player or a captain – is to try and identify those moments that you think can go a long way to you winning the game and going for it and committing to it.”
Buttler’s calf injury opens up a way for Liam Livingstone to return to the 50-over squad after being left out in the first place. More seriously, though, is the length of Buttler’s lay-off, since calf problems have become a recurring theme.
“It’s a bit slower than hoped,” Buttler said of his recovery. “I’m going to be missing the ODI series as well, so that’s a shame. But at my age, just got to make sure I get it right. It’s obviously a shame to miss some cricket and stuff, but I just want to get it right. There’s lots to look forward to in the future.“
Buttler’s Injury Not A Good Sign For England
He missed much of the series to Sri Lanka in 2021 with a tear and was also sidelined from England’s seven-match T20I tour to Pakistan the following year with a strain that briefly put his availability for the 2022 World Cup at risk.
“Injuries force you to stop and take a different perspective and it’s nice to be around the guys, getting to know some new faces and seeing what they’re all about; trying to share my ideas and listen to theirs and how they operate and building those relationships, which are obviously really important.”
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Buttler also confirmed that he would not have kept wicket if he had been fit for the T20Is, after discussions with England’s incoming coach Brendon McCullum. “Having spoken to Baz about it, he stumbled across it with injury preventing him from keeping wicket, but then he really enjoyed being next to the bowler at mid-off,” Buttler explained.
Since the T20 World Cup in June where England was knocked out in the semi-finals against India, Buttler has not played a game of cricket. Buttler targeted a comeback at T20 Blast quarter finals but it was temporarily halted after suffering a setback in his recovery while running. Buttler is now training to regain his place in the Caribbean tour in November.
