Captaincy has not taken a toll on my batting, insists Jos Buttler

England are out of contention for a place in the World Cup semi-final following their 33-run defeat at the hands of Australia on Saturday (November 4). Jos Buttler was dismissed for just one in the game and has tallied 106 runs in the tournament at an average of 15.14. 

However, Buttler insists that captaincy has not taken a toll on his batting. "It's something I've enjoyed that responsibility in T20 cricket and ODI cricket before this tournament," Buttler said after the match.

"I felt like it's brought out a lot of really good things in my batting. So, it's been frustrating. I think I can't quite put a finger on why I'm not playing to the level I expected myself. I've played a lot of cricket in India and played a lot of IPL cricket here, so it's not as if I don't know the conditions or the grounds, yes, you know and as I say, as a captain, you want to lead from the front. 

"So, of all the things that have happened on this trip, I'd say my own form has been my biggest frustration because you want to lead from the front as a captain."

Buttler adds that while his faith in himself and the team is not shaken, it is frustrating to see top players not live up to expectations.

"I wouldn't say the belief is shaken, more just the frustration grows and adds. Like I said, these are top-quality players. I speak about myself more. I think the belief in my game is as high as it's ever been, really, which means why there's so much frustration," Buttler said.

"Coming into the tournament, I felt in fantastic form, as good a form as I've been in. So, to be sat here having had the tournament I've had is incredibly frustrating, but it doesn't shake your belief. If I stop believing in myself, I've got to make sure I'm the last one that does that."

Buttler has now turned his attention to finishing in the top eight, which would secure the team's place in the Champions Trophy next year. For that, they will have to win the remaining two games, starting with the game against the Netherlands on Wednesday (November 8).

"You know, the Champions Trophy is a tournament we want to be involved in, and if we're going to be involved in it, we need to win some games of cricket," the England captain said.