Joe Root supports Jos Buttler as England faces ODI struggles

In the context of a challenging period for English cricket, Joe Root has come forward to share his insights on the current state of the team under Jos Buttler's captaincy. Following a significant decline in performance, England has lost 17 of their last 24 One Day Internationals, which positions them in a precarious situation in the Champions Trophy. Their situation is further compounded by a disappointing record of having lost five consecutive ODIs and the ramifications of a recent match against Australia, where they faced elimination despite having put up a record score of 351. This scenario emphasizes the urgency for a strong performance in their upcoming match against Afghanistan, as foul play could lead to elimination from the tournament altogether. Root's outlook stems from a personal understanding of navigating difficult times during his tenure as captain, especially amid the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. He acknowledged that under Buttler's leadership, the team is making strides, reflecting a more positive approach compared to earlier periods of his own captaincy. Buttler took over the reins from Eoin Morgan in June 2022 and led the team to a T20 World Cup victory later that same year, although the focus on improving the Test side has seemingly detracted from the white-ball format's success. Root emphasized the importance of supporting Buttler, praising his leadership and decision-making qualities, as well as his ability to foster a conducive environment for the players. With the next World Cup not scheduled until 2027, Root's involvement in ODIs has been sporadic due to his prioritization of Test cricket. He recognizes the need to consistently perform to secure his selection, expressing a commitment to contributing to the team's success. Overall, Root's words aim to inspire confidence in both the captain and the team as they navigate through challenging times, reaffirming the potential for improvement and success ahead.