T20 World Cup: Ben Stokes insists ‘great leader’ Jos Buttler should remain England captain after semi-final exit
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Published 28/06/2024 at 16:29 GMT
Ben Stokes has backed Jos Buttler to remain the England white-ball captain, despite the heavy defeat the defending champions suffered at the hands of India in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. England were set a target of 172 but were bowled out for 103 in 16.4 overs to continue their poor run of form. The defeat comes after the dismal defence of their 50-over World Cup crown last year.
Jos Buttler of England speaks with teammate Ben Stokes during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 match between England and South Africa at Wankhede Stadium on October 21, 2023.
Image credit: Getty Images
Ben Stokes believes Jos Buttler is still the right person to captain England’s white-ball side after the defending champions were well beaten by India in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
England lost by 68 runs in Guyana to surrender the title they won in 2022 and continue their indifferent run of form.
The loss was their third of the tournament and comes after the defence of their one-day crown ended in a group-stage exit after just three wins in nine matches in India in 2023.
“Jos is the man to lead that white-ball team forward,” Stokes told BBC Sport. “He is a great leader. He’s got the respect of all the team members in the dressing room.”
England’s opener against Scotland was abandoned due to rain before they lost by 36 runs to Australia, a result that put them on the verge of elimination.
But big wins over Oman and Namibia saw them progress to the Super 8s, where they beat West Indies and USA and lost to South Africa to reach the last four.
That set up a clash with India, who set a target of 172, but England were all out for 103 in 16.4 overs in response.
“It’s an interesting format, the T20 World Cup, one I’m not a huge fan of because teams can go through or not go through potentially because of a weather situation,” Stokes added.
“When England were put under pressure, especially at the back end of the group stages, they showed what a good team they were.
“India are a very good team, especially in the conditions that pitch offered. It gave India a huge advantage.”
Stokes opted to miss the tournament as he continues his rehabilitation from the knee surgery he underwent in November last year.
And despite being absent from the T20 World Cup, he believes Buttler and coach Matthew Mott are taking the team forward, comparing the intense scrutiny to that faced by Gareth Southgate’s England football team at Euro 2024.
“They have done a great job in getting to another major semi-final,” said Stokes.
“Being part of sport is about growing and progressing your side. It’s not shabby to say you got through to a World Cup semi-final.
“Unfortunately, it’s the way the English mentality is - they [England’s men’s football team] have got through and they are getting a load of grief.
“I know what it’s like. I guess that comes from expectation and everyone wanting their team to do well.”
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