BULLISH JOS OUT TO BE A SIX HIT AGAIN

Skipper hopes a drop can recapture old form

- David Charlesworth

JOS BUTTLER is determined to rediscover his mojo with the bat in one-day internationals as he looks to reinforce his position as England captain at the Champions Trophy.

In 33 ODIs since being appointed permanent white-ball skipper in June 2022, Buttler averages 33.13 with a strike-rate of 99.2, a sharp dip from 41.2 and 121.28 respectively in his first 151 matches.

His prolonged lean spell has coincided with England's fall from grace in the format and they head into today's Champions Trophy opener against Australia on the back of 16 defeats in 23 ODIs.

Having batted at No.5 for much of his time in charge, Buttler returns to No.6, where he was a pillar of success for predecessor Eoin Morgan between 2015-19.