England won't put too much expectations on Archer: Buttler

Since lifting the T20 World Cup title in 2022, England have mixed and matched their squads to the extent that they go into the tournament as one of the most settled units. 

The addition of Phil Salt and Will Jacks has only strengthened them further, and if you add the duo of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow into the mix, they have a solid top four. Ahead of England’s opener against Scotland on June 4, Buttler confirmed that Bairstow would take the mantle of that No.4 position during the World Cup. 

"I think for every player in the team, it's about trying to read the situation of the game and play accordingly. I think Jonny's got the experience and the game to play that role for us at No. 4,” Buttler said ahead of their first clash. 

"It's something he's done quite a bit in the T20 side previously as well, and he's got great variety in his game. So he is used to batting in the powerplay should that situation arrive at No. 4, but he has also got experience and power, and is a good player of spin throughout the middle phase as well."

While Bairstow missed out on the 2022 T20 World Cup triumph, he is expected to play a big role in the upcoming one, considering his experience at that No.4 position, where he’s played 21 clashes, averaging 34.08 while striking at 131.4, including two half-centuries. 

"So he seems in a good space. His family is going to be with him on this trip as well, which is nice. And I think getting that injury just before the last T20 World Cup, I'm sure he's really excited for this one."

One of the much-hyped returns for England, however, is of Jofra Archer, who has genuinely excited the English management with his raw pace. While injuries have marred his progress in the past, his timely return ahead of the T20 World Cup puts the Three Lions’ bowling unit in good stead. 

"Playing cricket again and being back in an England shirt, I know how hard he has worked to get back and it's been a long time for him," Buttler said. "As I've said before, we're not trying to put too much expectation on him.

Archer has struck thrice over his last two games, showing signs of the old self cranking up the pace. Not just that, the 29-year-old also showed his abilities with the bat when he smashed 12 off five balls against Pakistan in the second T20I in Birmingham. 

"We know what a superstar he can be but it's been a long time since he's played international cricket so it's very easy to get very excited about it and expect big things from him. But I think just give him a bit of time. He's happy and smiling and loving being back in the changing room as much as he is on the field. So he's in a really good space,” he added. 

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