Jos Buttler Steps Down as England White-Ball Captain

England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, has resigned following the team’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, which saw an early group-stage exit. The defending champions suffered a shocking five-wicket loss to Australia and an eight-run defeat against debutants Afghanistan, dashing their hopes of advancing. Buttler confirmed his decision ahead of England’s final match against South Africa, stating, “It’s the right decision for me and for the team.” He acknowledged the tournament’s importance, adding, “After two losses and an early exit, I feel I’ve reached the end of the road.” Buttler’s leadership, which began after Eoin Morgan’s retirement in 2022, faced scrutiny as England struggled to replicate their 2019 World Cup success. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will now focus on appointing a new captain to rebuild the team’s white-ball dominance. Fans and analysts await further updates on the team’s future direction.