Buttler wastes no time in pinning the blame of England's World Cup humiliation

04 November 2023 , 18:05

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Buttler wastes no time in pinning the blame of England's World Cup humiliation

Jos Buttler pointed the finger squarely at himself as England were finally officially dumped out of the World Cup with a FIFTH defeat in a row.

And of course it had to be a loss to their oldest and fiercest rivals Australia that put the nail in the coffin and confirmed arguably the worst World Cup defence in history. Never before have England lost six games at a World Cup before and after being bowled out for 253 in pursuit of 286, the 33-run margin was their narrowest loss yet at a tournament they have added precious little quality to.

And, as England’s finest white ball batter of all time, Buttler admitted his own woes with the bat as captain have been central to the horror show of the last month. He was one of three players to succumb to leg spinner Adam Zampa as he tried to launch a big shot down the ground when he had made just one, and he admitted his efforts had had a knock on effect to the rest of the squad.

“My own form has been the biggest concern,” said Buttler. “To have not played as well as I can. My own performances with the bat have really hurt us. I have a pivotal position in the side. So to perform as poorly as I have done has had a big impact on the team.

“I haven’t lost faith in myself, others will lose faith in me sooner than I do in myself, but as a captain you want to lead from the front so my performance has been the most frustrating thing in the tournament.”

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There are lots of other areas of frustration no doubt, such as the loss of form of Joe Root who again came and went in the powerplay. Likewise the form of Jonny Bairstow who didn’t even last one ball as he flicked Mitchell Starc’s first ball down the legside and was caught.

Jos Buttler's side have won just once all tournament

Whichever way England have turned in this tournament it has been the wrong way, and even when players have got themselves in and soaked up pressure as Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes did in scoring 50s, they have not been able to go further and make the match-winning hundreds that win World Cups.

Stokes gave it his best shot and batted smartly for his 64 to give the Aussies a fright that he might go on and repeat one of his heroic displays, but that came to nothing.

Buttler and his side must now try and raise themselves for Wednesday’s clash with the Netherlands in their bid to try and secure a Champions Trophy spot by finishing in the top eight.

Whether they can find the right frame of mind required to overcome one of the other weaker sides in the tournament is another matter. Former skipper Eoin Morgan is very clear on what they need to do.

“They have gone away from the clear plan of playing aggressive cricket,” said Morgan. “It is not just about talking about it. It is a mindset.

“There are periods when you have to soak up pressure, and you realise that you have a bit more time, but since 2015 English white ball cricket has been built on that mindset and you have to be more aggressive.”

Dean Wilson