I think Buttler’s time as captain is done: Michael Atherton

Jos Buttler‘s tenure as England’s white-ball skipper is ended, according to former captain Michael Atherton, following the country’s unexpected Champions Trophy loss. After losing against Afghanistan by eight runs on Wednesday, the team was eliminated despite Joe Root’s incredible 120 off 111 balls.

Atherton made a direct comment when speaking on Sky Sports, stating, “I believe his time as captain is over. England evaluates itself based on ICC events, and they prepare for these competitions because they are now so often. Sometimes all you need to say is that something isn’t working and that a change is needed. He most likely understands that deep down.

Nasser Hussain, the former captain of England, questioned Buttler’s status as a captain after hearing Atherton’s opinions.

“Looking at Buttler, I’ve never said, ‘Wow, what a leader.'” He lacks the presence that Eoin Morgan possessed in the field. Given that Morgan was England’s greatest white-ball captain ever—a difficult feat to emulate—that comparison is challenging. However, in my opinion, Buttler hasn’t made much of an impact on this squad as captain. His hitting has suffered because of it. If you’re not getting the most out of a great player or benefiting from leadership, it’s usually time to move on.

Buttler is being unfairly blamed for England’s fundamental problems, according to Michael Vaughan, who presented an alternative viewpoint. Buttler’s tenure as captain is probably coming to an end, although Vaughan clarified in The Telegraph that firing him won’t address all of the problems. Considering that Jos Buttler has participated in three consecutive unsuccessful ICC tournaments, he will not be able to continue as captain. Let’s not fool ourselves, though, into thinking that having a new captain will make everything better. England has far more serious issues.

Three straight ICC tournament losses under Buttler’s leadership have led to a disappointing conclusion to England’s Champions Trophy campaign. The real question now is whether England’s current circumstances would alter if the captain was replaced.