Jos Buttler 'respects' teammates' decision to withdraw from Bangladesh tour over security

  • Video report by ITV News Sports Correspondent Ian Payne

England cricketer Jos Buttler has said he respects the decision of one-day captain Eoin Morgan and batsman Alex Hales to pull out of the team's Bangladesh tour over security concerns.

Buttler, who has been appointed captain following Morgan's withdrawal, told ITV News that as a "colleague and friend", he stood by their choice.

"Not for anyone it was an easy decision ," he said.

"Cricket is a game at the end of the day, and there are a lot of things in the world that are a lot bigger than cricket, so I completely respect their decision, and I know everyone in the dressing room does as well."

Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss, however, said the England and Wales Cricket Board was disappointed by Morgan and Hales's decision.

Buttler, who is usually the vice-captain, has only led England once before, in a Twenty20 international against Pakistan last winter.

He will now be given another opportunity to showcase his potential as skipper in the three-match 50 over series that starts on October 7.

Security in currently tight in Bangladesh after a spate of terrorist attacks in the country.

Snipers and tanks will reportedly be deployed when the England team arrives in order to ensure their safety.

Security expert Chris Phillips told ITV News: "They'll be kept in a bubble...effectively a fortified hotel, and then taken by different routes to the ground or the training facility each day."