Buttler has the 'X Factor' – Vaughan

Jos Buttler is the ‘X Factor cricketer’ England need to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 next year, according to former captain Michael Vaughan.

Buttler, who scored a match-winning 110* in the 5th ODI to help England to a 5-0 series whitewash against Australia, has been in sensational form over the last few months.

The wicket-keeper-batsman made a surprise return to the Test team against Pakistan in May, following an impressive run in the Indian Premier League. His fine form has continued in both red-ball and white-ball formats for England – as he racked up 275 runs in the recent ODI series, following two half-centuries against Pakistan.

Vaughan, who played at two Cricket World Cups and captained England at the 2007 edition, believes Buttler’s ability to do things others can’t is a major reason why England are considered favourites for next year’s tournament.

"Teams that win trophies have X Factor cricketers,” Vaughan told BBC’sTest Match Special.

“I look at the England side and Buttler is the one. He's right up there. I've got everything crossed that he doesn't pick up an injury. If he's fit next year, they've got the best chance they have ever had.

“What he provides to the team is that calmness. Whenever he is out there in the middle, he reads the game better than most. He knows, and the team know, that the opposition are scared of him more than most.”

England broke the record for the highest ODI score during their series whitewash of Australia, but Vaughan believes the 5th ODI – which England won by one wicket – will prove more worthwhile to the side in the long run.

“Forget the 481 at Trent Bridge and the other hammerings - this game is one England will take more from,” added Vaughan.

“For them to get over the line - in a real close game after Australia were favourites - this means more.”