Buttler Hopes for England Comeback After T20 WC Setback
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New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) England's wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler remains hopeful that the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat against India isn't the closing chapter of his international career. He acknowledged, however, that his selection for England's upcoming white-ball series in July is uncertain.
Buttler faced challenges during the World Cup, accumulating only 87 runs over eight innings and achieving just one half-century in his last four ICC tournaments. Nevertheless, he is optimistic about participating in England's upcoming home summer, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs against India.
“I certainly hope so. I cannot say for sure. The tournament was disappointing for me personally, but I've showcased some of the finest cricket of my career in recent years. I aspire to return to my best form. While I have ambitions of continuing with England, I'm no longer a captain, and therefore, not a selector. Whatever happens, happens. We will see,” Buttler shared on his podcast ‘For the Love of Cricket.’
Post-tournament, Buttler took a break from cricket, spending a week with his family in France to mentally recharge before heading back to India for the IPL season with the Gujarat Titans.
“I was as far removed from cricket as possible, which was exactly what I needed at that moment. The tournament didn't unfold as I had hoped, and I felt it was crucial to step away from the game and not dwell on it during that week,” he mentioned.
“It was a refreshing experience - I truly enjoyed it, a complete release. Gradually, I’m starting to reflect and consider what's important to me in my cricket journey and why things didn't go as I had wished.
“There are aspects of what went wrong that I still cannot pinpoint. Despite my best efforts, it just didn’t come together, and sometimes that’s acceptable too. I’ve had to come to terms with that; it wasn’t due to a lack of effort,” he added.
Buttler also commended England’s management, highlighting the positive environment fostered by Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum while recognizing India's strength in the knockout stages.
“The environment created by Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum during the World Cup was excellent. India proved to be a formidable team and deserving winners,” Buttler noted, acknowledging the high caliber of the competition.