It has been 205 days since England’s disappointing exit from the 50-over World Cup in Kolkata. Captain Jos Buttler, who has spent the past five months moving past that memory, is now fully focused on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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During the last two weeks, amid the joyous occasion of welcoming his third child, Buttler has been frequently asked about his takeaways from the previous tournament. His response? “I am focused on this World Cup,” he stated firmly on Monday.
England is currently in Barbados, preparing to face Scotland on Tuesday. Their goal is to deliver a stronger performance in defending their T20 World Cup title, which they clinched in Melbourne in 2022.
The team’s spirits have been lifted by the return of bowler Jofra Archer, who will be playing an international match in his birthplace for the first time. Additionally, the youthful energy and talent of Phil Salt and Will Jacks, both with Barbadian connections, bring a fresh dynamic to the squad. This is a marked change from the side that struggled in India last autumn. Buttler and several teammates have also regained form during their stints in the Indian Premier League.
Recent momentum has been bolstered by two victories against Pakistan in the past ten days, despite some matches being washed out. The only selection dilemma left is choosing between Mark Wood’s express pace and Reece Topley’s left-arm variation.
When pressed about the team’s lineup, Buttler was reticent. “I am not going to tell you the team, am I?” he said. “I am pretty settled with what we are trying to do as a team. I don’t need to sit here and tell you.”
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Head coach Matthew Mott has emphasized the need for England to be more open and less insular, a lesson learned from their time in India. While Buttler has shared some insights, what matters most is his communication within the dressing room.
The last time England faced Scotland in a men’s international, Buttler was resting, but five current squad members were part of the XI that faced a shocking defeat in Edinburgh. The Scots, having beaten Bangladesh, West Indies, and Ireland in recent years, are poised for another upset that could secure their qualification from a group that also includes Australia, Oman, and Namibia.
“People now are not taking us lightly; they know we are not to be underestimated,” all-rounder Michael Leask told the BBC. “I don’t like the word free hit but we have nothing to lose.”
Tuesday’s match will be played on the same pitch where Namibia narrowly defeated Oman in a super over on a slow, challenging surface. This scenario raises the possibility of a T20 debut for England left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, but it is more likely that the XI will resemble the team that secured a win against Pakistan at The Oval.
Wood, Topley, and Sam Curran, who is working to regain his form, have all been impressive in practice. However, Curran, the player of the tournament in 2022, is expected to miss out.
While England’s recent struggles in India linger in memory, their triumph in Melbourne was just 18 months ago. With many factors working in their favor, England is poised to be strong contenders in this World Cup. What they need now is a solid start, something they missed in India.
With a renewed focus and bolstered squad, England’s journey in the T20 World Cup promises to be an exciting one.