Embattled England Captain Jos Buttler Urges Squad to Avoid Desperation Tactics in Crucial T20 World Cup Matches
Antigua, October 25th – England cricket captain Jos Buttler has cautioned his team against getting consumed by the pressure of net run-rate as they try to salvage their T20 World Cup campaign from a precarious position.
Heading into this week’s must-win matches against Oman and Namibia, England find themselves in a perilous situation, needing substantial victories to keep their hopes of advancing to the Super Eight stage alive. Even then, their fate may hinge on the outcome of Scotland’s final group game against Australia.
Buttler acknowledged the challenge, stating, “> I don’t think it’s shit or bust quite yet.” The captain emphasized the need to focus on winning the games rather than obsessing over net run-rate, which currently stands at a dismal -1.8 for England.
“We have to be aware of [net run-rate], but not be consumed by it,” Buttler said. “If we try and do that bit first and forget about trying to win the game and lose, then we’ve got no chance anyway. We see it as a challenge, we’re not daunted by it; an opportunity to do something special.”
Despite the criticism that followed their 36-run defeat against Australia, Buttler appeared more upbeat during Tuesday’s training session at the Antigua Recreation Ground. The captain acknowledged the frustration of England’s supporters, likening himself to an “armchair supporter of other sports” who sometimes “shouts at the TV.”
Buttler, who was not originally scheduled to speak to the media, discussed the pressures of captaincy, stating, “> At times it feels tough and you have difficult moments or a couple of hours awake at night. But that’s part of the enjoyment of [captaincy] and quite addictive as well, trying to find solutions, ways to get the best out of your players, get the best out of yourself, and ways to get to where you want to be.”
As England’s players went through their drills, which included a curious game involving pool noodles, Buttler remained coy on his team selection for the Oman match. However, he did express delight in the news that his 16-year-old son, Rocky, had been named in the England under-19s squad to face Sri Lanka in a series of one-day internationals.
With the 100-ball cricket live action set to unfold at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Buttler and his team will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and keep their T20 World Cup defense alive against the backdrop of the club cricket and fantasy club cricket landscape.
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