Jos Buttler’s recent form has become a concern for England ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final. The 35-year-old, usually a key player, has struggled to find his touch. His duck against New Zealand was his fifth single-figure score in a row.
Brook’s Backing for Buttler
Despite the questions surrounding Buttler’s form, he has received strong support from within the England camp. Captain Harry Brook backed his predecessor after the win over New Zealand. Brook stated it was exciting to know what Buttler could produce in the next few games.
Brook said that people need to take a step back, considering Buttler has played 150 games for England. Brook added that Buttler is probably the best white-ball player to play the game. Brook believes that Buttler has fire in his belly and wants to show people what he’s made of, and he has no doubt that Buttler will go out and do well.
Buttler’s Recent Struggles
Buttler is the fourth highest run-scorer in T20 international history. He scored 83 from 35 balls against South Africa last September. However, the right-hander has not scored a fifty in any of his 16 international innings this winter.
- This is now the longest run of single-figure scores in his T20 international career.
- Buttler has put in extra net sessions and faced local spinners to try and combat his slump.
- He has padded up against England’s options as well as coaches.
Could a Change in Batting Position Help?
One option for England could be to move Buttler down the order. This would potentially alleviate some of the pressure to score quickly at the top. Buttler has played the finisher role in 50-over cricket.
Buttler has batted at five and six 45 times in T20s for England, though not consistently since 2018. This change would require someone else to step up to open.
England have various options, given both Tom Banton and Will Jacks are openers by trade. Banton was recalled specifically to play a role in the middle order because of his prowess attacking against spin. Jacks has also been England’s player of the tournament so far with 191 runs from 108 balls as a finisher and Rehan Ahmed impressed in that role against New Zealand.
Alternatively, England could swap Brook and Buttler, leaving Buttler to come in at first drop as he was up to the start of last summer for England. He also had a successful IPL at number three last year.
Buttler’s form is a concern, but England will be hoping he can rediscover his best form in time for the semi-final.