Main thing is to turn up for Australia: Jos Buttler on Pakistan series helping in buildup for T20 World Cup
India Today
Jos Buttler opened up on how the series against Pakistan will help the players get ready for the T20 World Cup and said that the main aim for the players is to be ready for Australia. Buttler also brushed aside the tag of favourites for his team in their series against Pakistan.
Jos Buttler has opened up on how the series against Pakistan will help them in the buildup towards the T20 World Cup, saying that the main aim for the players is to turn up for the event in Australia.
England are touring Pakistan after 17 years and the white-ball team will play seven T20I matches which will get them ready for the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking at the press conference, Buttler said that the team is in a unique situation with a few people injured and some coming back to full fitness. The skipper went on to say that the main aim for the team is to be ready for Australia.
"It is important. I think for many of us to buildup towards that World Cup. We are in a bit of a unique situation as a team with a few guys injured and fit in time for the World Cup but not necessarily fit to play here. There are a few guys who are still coming back to full fitness as well, so we have to manage them through this tour. And the main thing for everyone is to turn up for Australia, fully ready to go for that World Cup. So it is important for us, in that sense, to get players to where we want them to be, familiarize with the roles. But as I have mentioned, there are a few guys who will be joining us straight in Australia. We have a young and exciting squad here as well. A few guys who have been in and amongst the squad. So looking forward to seeing and them and their exciting talent," said Buttler.
The England captain also brushed aside claims that his team are favourites heading into the series against Pakistan and said that both teams are filled with matchwinners.
"No, I don't see it like that at all. We know how strong Pakistan are and how volatile T20 cricket is. It is not necessarily a game where you need to be a favourite or coming into certain series especially. There's a lot of match winners on both teams and that's what you need in T20 cricket. The individual can have big impact on games. But certainly feel that throughout our squad we have plenty of match winners," said Buttler.