NEWS
Follow UsDespite going down in the T20 International (T20I) and One-Day International (ODI) series, England captain Jos Buttler reckons that the tour of West Indies was successful for his side.
England found themselves 0-2 down in the T20I series, but back-to-back centuries from Phil Salt saw them level the series but succumbed to a defeat in the decider on a slow Trinidad surface. In the previous game, they had put on 267 for 3 - their highest T20I total and in the game before that, they registered one of their highest successful chase in the format.
Buttler remains optimistic of T20 World Cup defence in the Caribbean in June next year. When asked if he reckoned that the tour was a successful one, he said, "I think so, yeah."
"Obviously, some players have stood up and done really well. You want to win, and I think we all wanted to win the series, and it's hard to say when you've lost, but I think we've found out some good things.
"There's been lots of ups and downs throughout the year, but it's always important to keep looking forward. We've obviously had five games out here in the Caribbean and had a really good look at what conditions will be like for the World Cup only six months away. So yeah, it's been a good series."
Despite England's poor showing in white-ball cricket this year, which saw them win just three of their nine ODI World Cup matches, Buttler said that the thought of giving up captaincy never crossed his mind.
"Not really, [but] I've had some low moments for sure," Buttler said on giving up captaincy.
"It was a huge disappointment in my career that [ODI] World Cup just gone, but after you let the dust settle there's huge motivation and determination to have another crack and keep going. So that desire still burns strongly."
England next play a T20I series in May 2024, when they take on Pakistan in a four-match series ahead of the T20 World Cup, starting June 4.
However, their players will play in T20 leagues across the world. White-ball coach Matthew Mott has indicated that Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer could play a role in the tournament, subject to fitness.
"It's been good to be in these conditions and [to] have a look at what might work in those scenarios. I think if you can execute your yorkers, they're still the best ball in T20," Buttler said.
"I haven't spoken to Jof. Obviously, I saw him in Barbados, it was good to see him back in training with us and bowling well. I know the medical team and staff have got a good plan for him and I think I speak on behalf of all England cricket fans and cricket fans around the world that we want to see Jof back and back for good. So I think it's important that he takes his time."
