Jos Buttler says pioneer Eoin Morgan has England's respect
Wednesday 18 January 2017 21:49, UK
Eoin Morgan is still regarded as a "revolutionary" by England's one-day players, according to his vice-captain Jos Buttler.
Morgan leads the tourists into Thursday's second one-day international against India in Cuttack with victory essential if the three-match series is to stay alive heading to Kolkata on Sunday.
The skipper's position was questioned by some after he opted against touring Bangladesh, where Buttler stood in as captain last year.
Morgan is also without an ODI century in 26 matches, but as far as Buttler is concerned the Irishman's unorthodox stroke-making - first showcased in an England shirt in 2009 - blazed a trail for the likes of himself, Ben Stokes and Jason Roy.
Live One-Day International Cricket
"He brings a wealth of experience," Buttler said. "He has a vision for the game and where he wants our side to get to. He's a fantastic leader in that sense.
"He really champions people playing in the way they believe and he shows that in the way he plays too, which he has done for many years.
"He was one of the first revolutionary players for England and that carries a lot of weight in the group, which is a pretty young one. He gives guys a lot of confidence. He's very calm under pressure and I know everyone really enjoys playing for him."
And Buttler, who combines the vice-captaincy with wicketkeeping duties, has played down his own immediate leadership ambitions.
"Vice-captain is a role I've enjoyed a under Eoin and it's fantastic to have him back," he said. "As a keeper your role is always to come up with plans and advice for the captain and that's something I'm enjoying doing again.
"I want to be someone who wins games of cricket for England - that's my main driving force."
Watch the second ODI between India and England from 7.30am on Thursday, Sky Sports 2.
