Buttler backing Ben to stay on as captain

JOS

- By DAVID CHARLESWORTH

Buttler believes a humbling Ashes loss will make Ben Stokes even more intent on leading England to the top of the world Test rankings.Most observers predicted a closely contested battle for the urn but a depleted Australia, who were without their first-choice bowling attack for the entire series, claimed a 4-1 series triumph.

While the futures of managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum are up in the air, Stokes has been tipped to carry on as Test captain until at least the 2027 Ashes in England.