Jos Buttler has resigned as England captain following his side’s early exit from the Champions Trophy.
The 34-year-old will lead England’s white-ball side for the final time in their last group match against South Africa on Saturday.
England have lost 15 of their previous 21 one-day internationals, including shock defeats to an Australian side without their first class bowling attack, and Afghanistan which ended their Champions Trophy campaign.
“I’m going to stand down as England captain, it’s the right decision for me and the team,” said Buttler.
He has looked increasingly drained in the role in recent times and appeared on the verge of walking away after an eight-run defeat to Afghanistan on Wednesday sealed an early departure from Pakistan for the Bazballers.
Speaking after the match Buttler said he would review “all possibilities” and would need to determine whether he was “part of the solution or part of the problem”.
The Manchester Originals captain took over as white-ball captain in June 2022 following the retirement of Eoin Morgan, with Buttler leading England to glory in that year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
However, he oversaw an extremely disappointing defence of their 2019 limited-overs global title after England were knocked out in the group stages of the 2023 50-over World Cup in India.
Despite coach Matthew Mott paying the price, Buttler retained the captaincy.
Mott was replaced by Kiwi Brendon McCullum, who added the job to his Test match brief, reinvigorating the team and its ailing skipper.
McCullum admitted Buttler had looked “a bit miserable at times” and hoped to bring a smile back to his face.
That has improved mission impossible and the rebuild will now start with a new voice at the top.
Who that will be remains to be seen, however, vice-captain and favourite Harry Brook is deeply embedded in all three formats and potentially unable to play every series.
After their clash with Proteas England do not play white-ball again until May 29, when they face the touring West Indies. That leaves plenty of time for McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key to determine a successor.