Joe Root has expressed his unwavering support for Jos Buttler as England's limited-overs captain, despite the mounting pressure following their recent loss to Australia at the T20 World Cup. This setback has compounded the criticism Buttler faces, especially after England's underwhelming defence of their 50-over World Cup title last year.
Root, the former Test captain, remains optimistic about Buttler's ability to lead England through their critical upcoming match against Oman. He believes that Buttler is well-equipped to steer the team into the tournament's knockout stages
Root, when asked about Buttler’s leadership, emphasised his strong belief in Buttler’s capabilities. He described Buttler as an exceptional captain and expressed confidence in the squad’s potential to rebound. Root highlighted their ability to thrive under pressure, stating that the current situation could bring out the best in them, which he sees as essential for advancing to the Super 8s and excelling in the tournament's later stages.
On Wednesday, Root, 33, was honoured with an MBE for his contributions to cricket at Windsor Castle, where he was presented the award by the Princess Royal. During the ceremony, Root spoke passionately about the importance of giving back to cricket and its potential to offer opportunities both on and off the field. As one of England’s top Test run-scorers, he emphasised his commitment to encouraging young people to take up the sport, noting the profound impact cricket has had on his life beyond just playing.
Reflecting on his experiences and success, including being the top run-scorer during England’s victorious 2019 Cricket World Cup campaign, Root offered advice to aspiring cricketers. He stressed the importance of understanding that failure is an integral part of the game and that embracing these challenges is key to personal growth and improvement.
Commenting on the current state of English cricket, Root acknowledged areas for potential improvement but celebrated the rapid and remarkable development of the women’s game. He expressed hope that this growth continues, underscoring the broader inclusivity and opportunities cricket can provide.