Jos Buttler believes England’s white-ball side is showing encouraging signs as it begins the long road back towards major tournament success.
The former skipper stepped down earlier this year after leading England through a hat-trick of disappointing campaigns, including the loss of both their 50-over and T20 titles, followed by a flat performance at the Champions Trophy.
Buttler’s successor, 26-year-old Harry Brook, has been handed the task of leading a team in the early stages of a significant rebuild.
He will work closely with Brendon McCullum, who has expanded his remit as all-format head coach, bringing his attacking philosophy into England’s limited-overs cricket. Buttler suggested the combination is already bearing fruit.
That progress was reflected in Wednesday’s four-wicket victory over Ireland in Malahide, the opening match of a three-game series.
Brook and McCullum were absent, resting ahead of the looming Ashes, but the side still delivered a composed display.
England’s next major test will arrive in February when they head to India and Sri Lanka for the T20 World Cup.
Buttler acknowledged that the tournament will provide a clearer measure of how far the rebuild has come, but he stressed that early momentum is crucial.
“I think we are shaping up really well. Baz and Brooky have created a great environment,” he said.
“They’ve picked a side with loads of talent and there’s a core group of those guys who are on a real upward curve as well, that age group around Brooky’s age.
“There are a lot of multi-dimensional cricketers within that line-up as well. You get to India and Sri Lanka and there’s a lot of spin-bowling options within that who are top-order batters as well. There’s a lot of optimism, a lot to be excited for.
“People have shown themselves, come through and got better as players. Experience and time is something that you can’t rush. There’s no other way to accelerate that. We’re going in the right direction.”
