Tag: Jos Buttler England

What Should England Do About Jos Buttler? England face a big selection call ahead of the World Cup semi final. The main question is clear. What should they do about Jos Buttler? Buttler has struggled at the top of the order in recent matches. That dip in form has raised doubts about his role. Still, few doubt his class or his record in white ball cricket. Move Buttler Down the Order? One option is to move Buttler into the middle order. This could ease the pressure to attack from ball one. In one day cricket, he often plays as a finisher and handles that role well. In T20s, he has batted at five and six 45 times for England. However, he has not done that regularly since 2018. A shift now would require another player to open the innings. Tom Banton and Will Jacks are natural openers. Banton returned to the squad to strengthen the middle order, especially against spin. Jacks has impressed as a finisher in this tournament. He has scored 159 runs from just 90 balls. Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell have also opened in the IPL. Brook recently smashed a brilliant century at number three. Bethell, on the other hand, does not always start quickly. Swapping Brook and Buttler is possible, but it may disturb a settled position. Another factor is Buttler’s partnership with Phil Salt. Before the tournament, many saw that opening pair as one of England’s biggest strengths. Breaking it up would be a bold step. Should England Drop Him? Dropping Buttler looks unlikely. He signed a new two year central contract last year. He has been a key part of England’s white ball teams for more than a decade. Leaving him out of a World Cup semi final would be a massive call. The match could take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Buttler has an excellent IPL record at that ground. He has scored 94 not out, 89 and 116 there. Ben Duckett is the spare batter in the squad. He is also short of form. This winter, he has averaged just 18.88 across 12 matches in all formats. He even fell for a first ball duck in his most recent innings. England could also turn to Rehan Ahmed, a leg spinning all rounder. That would be a surprise move and a clear gamble. A Final Chance to Respond England’s next match against New Zealand offers a low pressure chance. They have already qualified, so the result will not change their position. This game could help Buttler find rhythm before the semi final. Former England spinner Alex Hartley backed him strongly. She said anyone writing Buttler off needs to think again. According to her, one clean shot could change everything. She believes he will deliver when it matters most. England now face a tough decision. Stick with their proven match winner, or make a bold change at the top?
Sports

What Should England Do About Jos Buttler?

England face a big selection call ahead of the World Cup semi…

Register Lost your password?