Butcher backs Hollioake

Butcher backs Hollioake

By Scott Heinrich

Hollioake is familiar with the job, having led England 14 times

Adam Hollioake should be made captain of England's one-day side, according to Surrey team-mate Mark Butcher.

England Test batsman Butcher gave his Surrey skipper a full vote of confidence for the captaincy position made vacant when Nasser Hussain resigned after the World Cup.

Who might succeed Hussain?

And Hollioake is one of the leading candidates, despite not having played for England for almost four years.

"I think Adam would make an excellent one-day captain for England," Butcher told the BBC Sport Website.

"There's been things written in the press that he's desperate to take the job but I'm not sure that's the case.

"But if Adam wants to do it, then I'm sure he's the best man for the job."

Hollioake is the only candidate with experience in the job, having led England on 14 occasions for six wins including the 1999 Sharjah Cup.

Bookmakers make Hollioake only third favourite for the post behind odds-on shot Michael Vaughan, while Marcus Trescothick is also under consideration.

But Butcher reckons Hollioake is the right option.

"One of his biggest strengths is the ability to empower the people that are playing with him and make them play well as a team," he explains.

"He's fantastic at making people believe in themselves.

"That's the kind of captain he is at Surrey and I know he'd do the same if he was given a chance with England."