Jos Buttler Vows to Stick to Aggressive Batting Style Despite T20 World Cup Slump
England captain Jos Buttler has firmly stated that he will not change his aggressive batting approach, despite enduring a significant run of low scores in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Buttler emphasized that in the fast-paced T20 format, he cannot afford to focus solely on staying at the crease when the team requires quick runs, highlighting the inherent demands of the game.
Buttler's Struggle for Form and Unwavering Philosophy
The wicketkeeper-batter has not registered a half-century in his last 14 international innings across both One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, with his highest score being a modest 39. "T20 is one of those games that asks you to keep making plays," Buttler explained on the For the Love of Cricket podcast. He contrasted this with Test cricket, where a batting coach might advise a player to "rein it in for a bit and try to bat for an hour" to regain form.
"But in T20s, you've got to keep playing the scoreboard; if you're chasing 10 in an over you've got to play accordingly," he added. Buttler directly addressed comments from former England captain Nasser Hussain, who suggested he should "just bat for 15 overs." "I would love to just bat for 15 overs, but I don't want to bat for 15 overs just for myself and ignore the game. You've got to still play the game," Buttler asserted, underscoring his team-first mentality.
Recent Performances and Reflections on Challenges
In the tournament, Buttler's scores have been underwhelming:
- 26 and 21 against Nepal and West Indies in Mumbai.
- Two consecutive scores of 3 against Scotland and Italy in Kolkata.
Despite these figures, England successfully progressed to the Super 8 stage. "A bit frustrating so far," Buttler admitted. "The game just keeps challenging you, no matter what stage of your career you're at, there's always something challenging you." He drew on his 15 years of international experience, noting that patches of poor form are not new to him. "It's always the same things you come back to at the end, which is stand still, watch the ball and trust yourself," he reflected.
No Change in Batting Position and Personal Responsibility
The former England captain also confirmed that he has no plans to change his batting position to counter the slump. "The only person who can score my runs is myself," he declared. "I'm not going to score them by hiding away or sending anyone else out; I've got to put my own shirt on, mark the middle, and off we go again." Expressing optimism, Buttler added, "It always comes back at some point, so looking forward to the next opportunity."
Off-Field Experiences and Praise for Associate Teams
Buttler also shared his positive experiences off the field in India, particularly in Mumbai. "Mumbai, I think, is a city I really enjoy. There are some really good restaurants to get out to. There's lots going on. It's obviously busy and hectic, but that's all part of the fun of India," he said.
Furthermore, he commended the performances of associate teams in the tournament. "The associate sides have played brilliantly. I'm sure they all feel like they've got nothing to lose. They're looking for that giant-killing kind of performance, and sides have come really close," he observed, acknowledging the competitive spirit they have brought to the event.
England's Path Forward in the Tournament
England have now advanced to the Super 8 stage and will play their upcoming matches in Sri Lanka. Their campaign in this phase begins against the co-hosts at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday. The team will be aiming to build momentum as they seek to defend their T20 World Cup title, with Buttler's leadership and batting form being crucial components of their strategy.
