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Buttler Keen for England to Show Their Mettle at Twenty20 World Cup
Jos Buttler is eager for his England team to prove they remain a formidable force at the T20 World Cup, following a disappointing 50-over title defence last year that left them with “dented” pride.
Buttler’s squad entered the one-day international World Cup in India as reigning champions but exited unceremoniously, losing six out of nine matches.
A four-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, the team they defeated in the 2022 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne, kicks off at Headingley on Wednesday.
Both teams will then head to the tournament in the West Indies and United States.
Reflecting on their poor performance in India, England captain Buttler said on Tuesday, “The pride was dented and it was a disappointing competition. But life moves on, it’s a chapter in the book and there are lessons you learn, but we’re presented with a new opportunity now, in a different format. We go to the West Indies and want to give a better account of ourselves. It’s a real honour to go to another World Cup as defending champions again, but it also feels like a new time.”
Buttler played a key role in England’s decision to recall all squad members from the Indian Premier League to prepare together.
The dynamic batsman emphasized that the IPL should not overlap with international cricket. “As England captain, my main priority is to be playing for England,” he said. “It’s really important for us to spend this time together. Leading into a World Cup, your number one is performing for England and it feels like this is the best preparation. But it’s my personal opinion there shouldn’t be any international cricket that clashes with the IPL – these games have been in the calendar a long time.”
Two members of England’s 15-man squad will miss the opening match in Leeds, with Liam Livingstone and Mark Wood recovering from knee issues.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer will make his first England appearance in 14 months, but Buttler cautioned against expecting too much from the injury-prone star. “We all know what a superstar he has been, but let’s manage those expectations,” he said. “Don’t expect too much, too soon. A great success would be him coming through this series with a big smile on his face and his body holding up.”
There are also uncertainties regarding Buttler’s own availability, as his wife Louise is expecting their third child. Moeen Ali is prepared to step in as captain if needed.
“My family comes first. I’ll be at the birth,” Buttler said. “I don’t think they quite tell you when they’re going to come, but we’ve got a plan in place and fingers crossed everything will go well.”
England will begin their T20 World Cup title defense on June 4th against Scotland in Barbados.
