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Ben Stokes has backed Jos Buttler to remain as England’s white-ball captain despite the heavy defeat to India in the T20 World Cup semi-final.
The defending champions were thrashed by 68 runs in Guyana, their third defeat in four matches against other Test-playing nations in tournaments in the Caribbean and the United States.
The relinquishment of the T20 title, which is due to be won in 2022, comes after England’s dismal defence of the 50-over World Cup in India last year, winning just three of the nine matches.
“Joss is the man to lead the white-ball team,” Stokes told BBC Sport.
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“He’s a great leader. He’s well respected by all the guys on the team in the locker room.”
Stokes was named Man of the Match when England won the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and also played a key role in the T20 final victory in Australia two years ago.
The England Test captain returned from retirement from one-day internationals last autumn to play in the 50-over World Cup defence but sat out the recent T20 World Cup as part of his rehabilitation from knee surgery.
England have failed to win at least one white-ball world title for the first time in five years, but Stokes believes the team is making progress under captain Buttler and coach Matthew Mott.
“They’ve done a fantastic job getting to the semi-finals of another major tournament,” Stokes said.
“Participating in sport is all about developing and progressing your team. To say you’ve made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup is not something to be ashamed of.”
Rain forced the opening game of the World Cup against Scotland to be cancelled, and England was on the brink of elimination after a heavy defeat to Australia.
But heavy wins over Oman and Namibia, plus Australia’s narrow win over Scotland, have seen Buttler’s side progress to the Super Eights.
England lost to South Africa but beat the West Indies and the United States to reach the last four, where they were outplayed by India, aiming for 172 on a low, spinning pitch but being bowled out for just 103.
Thus, England’s win over the West Indies is their only victory over another team competing in Test cricket, with their other three victories coming against teams outside of international cricket’s elite teams.
“The T20 World Cup is an interesting format but I’m not a huge fan because the weather conditions determine whether a team advances or loses,” Stokes added.
“England showed what a good team they are when they were under pressure, especially towards the end of the group stage.
“India are a very good team, especially in those pitch conditions. We gave India a big advantage.”
Stokes, who was invited to address the England football team ahead of the ongoing European Championships, likened the criticism of the cricketers to the pressure Gareth Southgate’s team are under ahead of Sunday’s last-16 match against Slovakia.
“Unfortunately that’s the English mentality, they go through it and they suffer a lot of heartbreak,” the 33-year-old said.
“I know what it’s like, because everyone has high expectations and wants their team to do well.”
Stokes spoke at Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle, where he delivered a coaching session and answered questions from students.
The Durham native backs calls by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the other four national sports governing bodies for the newly elected government to guarantee every child at least two hours of physical education each week at school.
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Stokes is preparing for the first Test against the West Indies on July 10, which will also be England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, James Anderson’s final Test match.
Anderson, nearly 42, is retiring from international cricket after being informed by Stokes, Test coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key that England would be looking at younger pace bowlers.
Stokes did not explain the reasons for his decision but said he would “like to talk about my memories of Jimmy and what an impact he had on the game and on England cricket.”
“He’s the perfect example for all fastball pitchers. The dedication he’s shown to his job is just phenomenal. He’s a great professional, a great athlete and one of the best players the game of baseball has ever seen.”
Stokes underwent surgery in November after a long-term left knee injury limited his bowling time.
Stokes bowled in the fifth Test during England’s tour of India earlier this year, his first official match in eight months, and took a wicket with his first delivery.
He has since played two County Championship matches for Durham, taking 15 wickets in 63.1 overs, and is hoping to remain a full all-rounder for England in the domestic summer league and beyond.
“It’s going well,” he said of his recovery.
“Now I’m eager to get back and I can’t wait to put on an England shirt and play again.”