We will continue to play aggressive cricket, says Buttler

By Paritosh Pramanik

NAGPUR, Feb 5

THEY were beaten 1-4 in the just concluded T20I against India but England captain Jos Buttler asserted that his side will continue to play the aggressive brand of cricket in the three-match ODI series starting with the first game at VCA Jamtha Stadium on Thursday.

The English side has been following the ‘Baz-ball’ format of cricket for quite some time but have not achieved success they expected. However, Buttler said England would continue with the style of cricket they play. The captain also said that it is the best possible way his side would have prepared with matches against India ahead of Champions Trophy.

“Coming to the style of cricket we played (in T20Is)...doubling down in the 50-over format with Champions Trophy just round the corner, it is great to play against the top side (India) the three ODIs before that tournament.

“We are quite clear with the style of cricket we play. We got some great options and great combinations that we can go with. So, we will have to look at the wicket and will have to take the best decision (about playing XI) leading into this match,” replied Buttler during the pre-match press conference ahead of their only nets session.

Buttler said the side would definitely benefit with the inclusion of Joe Root who would take the Number 3 spot in batting.

“This groups is together for a couple of weeks now and we have Joe Root into this team which is great to have a player of that quality. It’s exciting to look forward to against the top team. He is  a great player of the game and he will bat at number three,” said Buttler.

“He has been a vital part of ODI cricket for England for a long time and I am excited to see him in this phase of his career, what he has done with his Tests ... with that cheeky smile on his face. He is enjoying his cricket and I am expecting him do the same in this environment. 

“He’s got loads of experience in ODI cricket and he has been a vital player for England in all formats of the game and we feel he has got crucial role for us in these games,” the captain said of Root who has scored 6522 runs in 171 ODI till date.

Asserting that they would not change their style of play, 34-year-old Buttler said they would try to put pressure on India in the coming matches.

“We are going to play exactly the same way. We are going to put pressure on the opposition with the bat. We will try and find ways to take wickets. Its always about executions. I think whatever plan you come with you have to execute it well and we believe that’s the best way to win games and get the best out of the players in our dressing room. So we double down on that. 

“I think we played well in phases in T20Is but its very important to stay on course the way we play and try to execute best to the abilities in these games,” Buttler said.

Buttler, who has 181 ODIs under his belt said that the conditions in Pakistan (for Champions Trophy) would be same as in India. “I think it might be the same on each ground that we will play. We will have to adapt to the conditions. Taking India in India will be a great challenge and it will be a good preparation going into the Champions Trophy,” concluded the wicketkeeper-batter.