England Aims to Reclaim Glory, Buttler Forewarns About Archer’s Return
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, conceded that their pride took a hit during their lackluster defense of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India last year. As the current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions, they are determined to put up a stronger performance in the upcoming 20-over showcase next month.
Last year, Buttler’s team failed to progress beyond the group stages of the 50-over World Cup, winning only three out of their nine matches. This was a stark contrast to their triumphant victory over New Zealand on home ground four years prior.
England now has the opportunity to redeem themselves from their disappointing 50-over World Cup campaign as they head to the USA and West Indies for next month’s T20 World Cup. It’s a familiar scenario for Buttler and his team as they aim to secure back-to-back ICC trophies following their victory over Pakistan at the MCG in 2022.
Buttler is optimistic that England’s players have absorbed the lessons from their disappointing campaign in India and is confident his team will bounce back to their best when the T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1.
“Our pride was significantly dented, and it was a truly disappointing competition,” Buttler admitted. “However, life moves on, it’s a chapter in the book and there are lessons to be learnt. We are now presented with a new opportunity, a different format. We head to the West Indies and aim to give a better account of ourselves.”
England will gear up for the T20 World Cup with a four-match T20I series at home against Pakistan. The first match is scheduled in Leeds on Wednesday, where star quick Jofra Archer is expected to make his comeback from injury.
Archer, the hero of England’s successful World Cup campaign in 2019, has been battling back and elbow injuries recently. The 29-year-old hasn’t made an appearance for England in any format since he featured in a T20I against Bangladesh in Mirpur in March last year.
Buttler issued a warning to rival teams, stating that Archer was bowling quickly in the nets and the tall right-armer was ready to make an impact against Pakistan and in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“He’s bowling quick,” Buttler said. “It was good fun facing him in the nets yesterday – a really good challenge. It’s great to see him back.”
England T20 World Cup Squad:
Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood