England head coach Brendon McCullum has showered rich praise on Jos Buttler, hailing him as the greatest white-ball player produced by the Three Lions.

Buttler won’t be able to lead England in the upcoming three-T20I series against Australia due to a calf injury. His participation in the subsequent five-ODI series is also in doubt.

Speaking to Sky Sports, McCullum said that Buttler had an unbelievable career and he has nothing to prove.

"I think Jos has had an unbelievable career. If he were to retire tomorrow, he goes down as arguably the greatest white-ball player England has ever had. He has nothing left to prove. I want him to get into a space in the next few years where he isn't trying to protect anything. He just goes out there and absolutely loves playing for England, loves leading the white-ball side and is able to get the most out of the talent around him," McCullum said.

McCullum, who was named England’s white-ball head coach last week, added that it's his responsibility to keep pushing Buttler towards that.

"That is my responsibility to keep pushing him towards that and keep reaffirming that message to him. Hopefully, he will be back from his injuries soon. The priority will be the Champions Trophy, so we are going to make sure he is ready for that," he stated.

"It gives us some time to spark those conversations and formulate those structures and plans to marry up our beliefs and the language we are going to use with the team to get the most out of what sits in that dressing room," he further remarked.

In Buttler’s absence, Phil Salt will lead England in the T20I series against Australia, starting on September 11 at Southampton.

England T20I squad: Phil Salt (C), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Josh Hull, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Saqib Mahmood, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, John Turner.

(With ANI Inputs)