ICC Champions Trophy: Root backs Buttler as 'brilliant leader' despite England's slow Champions Trophy start

Joe Root has expressed his backing for white-ball captain Jos Buttler, despite England's uncertain beginning in the Champions Trophy. He characterized Buttler as a "brilliant leader" who enjoys the full support of the team.

In their opening match against Australia, England suffered a five-wicket defeat after posting a target of 352 runs for the reigning 50-overs world champions. However, Root, the former test captain, emphasized that Buttler is fulfilling all the responsibilities expected of an effective captain.

"He's doing so much right on the field, making good decisions and creating a really good environment for us to thrive in," Root, who scored 68 against Australia in Lahore, told British media on Monday.

"He's a brilliant leader. He's the best white-ball player we've ever produced and he's got the full support of everyone within our dressing room to keep doing and keep bringing everything that he's brought so far to this team."

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler took over the captaincy following Eoin Morgan's retirement in June 2022, subsequently guiding England to their second T20 World Cup championship later that same year.

Since that achievement, England's performance has declined, as the team has been unable to defend their titles in both the T20 and 50-over World Cups.

Additionally, they are at risk of an early departure from the Champions Trophy unless they can swiftly improve their form, beginning with their match against Afghanistan on Wednesday.