JOS FOLLOWS JOE'S ROUTE

Butler aims to thrive after becoming an ex-captain

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JOS BUTTLER is looking to Joe Root for inspiration as he aims to flourish in a "new phase" of his career as a former England captain.

Buttler stepped down as leader of England's white-ball team earlier this year after two disappointing World Cup campaigns.

With his 35th birthday just around the corner, he could have walked away entirely in pursuit of guaranteed riches as a full-time franchise freelancer.

But he remains committed to following the lead of Root, who has scored 14 hundreds and averaged 58 since being replaced as Test skipper by Ben Stokes.