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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 05 November 2024

World Cup 2023: Despite disappointment, England captain and coach have a 'lot to look forward to'

It’s not going to be a drastic change of playing style, like 2015. We know where we need to go, says Jos Buttler

Our Bureau London Published 13.11.23, 08:07 AM
Jos Buttler.

Jos Buttler. File picture

England's one-day International set-up will not undergo a major overhaul despite a dismal World Cup campaign, captain Jos Buttler said after his side's consolation victory over Pakistan on Saturday.

Their title defence long over after suffering six defeats in their first seven matches, England finished the campaign in India with a comprehensive 93-run win over the 1992 champions at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

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With the win, they climbed to seventh place in the points table and secured a place in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

"It's not going to be a drastic change of playing style, like 2015. We know where we need to go," Buttler said.

"That doesn't mean a huge clear-out, it's just pushing on from here."

There will be some changes in the team for sure. Ben Stokes, in all likelihood, played his last ODI while David Willey played his last game. Moeen Ali might not be around in 50-over cricket in another two years' time while the likes of Mark Wood or Chris Woakes also might take some decision based on work-life balance.

"The World Cup as a whole is a disappointment. We spoke together about how if this (game versus Pakistan) is the last game for a lot of players, then let's make some good memories at the very least," Buttler said.

Winners of the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, England hold both the global white-ball trophies but failed to impress in the subcontinent. However, their white-ball coach, Matthew Mott, insisted he remains the right man to lead England.

When asked if he expected to keep his job, Mott told reporters: "Absolutely, I do. We've had a poor tournament, but we've got a lot to look forward to. I haven't even spoken about it, but yes, I'm pretty confident.

"It hasn't been a great tournament for everyone but there's plenty of teams which are going to go from here very disappointed with their performance as well. There's only one team that can win it. I'm comfortable in my skin."

The Australian also backed Buttler to continue the captaincy. White-ball stalwart Buttler has not managed a single half-century in nine games.

"I think he's got a great future. You judge leadership in times that are tough, and he's continually tried to motivate the boys," Mott said.

"He's clearly disappointed with his own contribution, but none of that has affected the way he's led the team.

"I've been really impressed by the way he's kept the team together. He's a player who is immensely talented and will bounce back."

Buttler felt Saturday's win against Pakistan was the real version of this English team.

"Lots to reflect on and ultimately disappointing but good to win today (Saturday).

"We showed the true version of ourselves. We haven't shown enough of what we're capable of. Lots of us haven't performed to our level," he said.

With inputs from Reuters, PTI

Willey won’t rethink

Calcutta: An emotional David Willey has revealed that he felt like a "third wheel" in England's changing room for being the only player in their World Cup squad not having a central contract.

The pacer, who grabbed three wickets against Pakistan on Saturday, added that his retirement decision was final.

"I'm very confident of my decision that today (Saturday) was my last game of cricket for England," he told reporters after helping England secure a 93-run win over Pakistan at the Eden Gardens.

Asked if he would be tempted to come back for one last go, Willey said: "Do I want to go to the Caribbean and run drinks and not know where I stand and just feel like a third wheel again, which is very much what I felt like when I turned up at Lord's and being the only one without a contract? Probably not so, I'm done.

"My time is done because I've called time on it, but it's with deep regret, I think. I think anybody looking in has probably looked at the way I've gone about my business and probably playing the best cricket of my career," he said.

"My situation with England has always been, 'I know I'm on the fringe. I'm next in if there's an injury, very much a squad player'. And I've been very much at peace with that, but it doesn't mean it's easy to be in that position, never knowing where you stand from tour to tour."

PTI

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