England limited overs captain Jos Buttler on Friday played down suggestions of him being an opening batter for England’s Test team after former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara tipped him for the role.

Commenting on the suggestion, the 31-year-old told BBC Sport, “I thought someone had written the wrong story, to be honest. I don’t think there is much merit in that [opening in Tests].”

“It was Kumar [Sangakkara], wasn’t it? Maybe he was just promoting Rajasthan Royals openers!,” Buttler said of his IPL franchise boss.

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The England limited overs captain, whose last Test appearance was in a disastrous defeat against Australia in the Ashes, went on to explain why he thought he was unfit for the role.

“It’s been fantastic to watch the [England] Test team over the last few weeks, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed tuning in as a fan,” said Buttler.

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“It’s been incredible to watch – you’re gripped to your seat, aren’t you? To see what they’re doing has been brilliant. I’ve loved watching them and I hope it continues. There’s no red ball in my bag at the minute,” he added.

Buttler’s comments came hours after he was appointed as England’s new white-ball captain.

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The top scorer of this season’s IPL, with 863 runs, Buttler is a hard-hitting batter and a wicketkeeper who analysts believe has everything to succeed in limited overs cricket.

The 31-year-old will take lead the England team in 12 crucial limited overs matches in July in the upcoming T20 and ODI series against India and South Africa.

Buttler will then lead England in the T20 World Cup in Australia in October this year, his first major global event, before taking England to India next year, where he and his team will be looking to defend their 50-over crown.