Buttler named as England vice-captain

Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been named as vice-captain for the England ODI team, a few days before they begin their World Cup campaign against co-hosts Australia at the MCG.

Buttler was, according to reports, chosen by ODI skipper Eoin Morgan who, along with the England management team, thinks highly of the wicketkeeper's leadership skills.

The Lancashire player has played in 49 ODI's to date and has a batting average of 31.63 with a strike-rate of 108.89, while being known as the team's finisher at the back end of the innings.

The news comes as somewhat of a surprise as Buttler was chosen ahead of T20 captain Stuart Broad, batsman Joe Root and experienced fast bowler James Anderson.

England play a warm-up match against Pakistan at the SCG on Wednesday before taking on Australia, who is co-hosting the global tournament with New Zealand, in their World Cup opener at the MCG stadium on Saturday.

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