CT25 - Afg vs Eng - Jos Buttler plays down toss factor ahead of game with plenty riding on it

CT25 – Afg vs Eng – Jos Buttler plays down toss factor ahead of game with plenty riding on it

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Ben Duckett was the first to practice, facing both a left-arm fingerspinner and a right-arm leg spinner, showing his aggressive intent after a successful performance against Australia. England, needing to win against Afghanistan to avoid early elimination, faced challenges due to dew conditions impacting their bowling. Captain Jos Buttler acknowledged the pressure but emphasized focusing on positive performance. Despite recent struggles under Buttler’s leadership, the team retains confidence. Buttler’s vulnerability against pace in Asian conditions is noted, but Afghanistan’s spin attack has been underwhelming. The match is crucial for both England’s tournament hopes and Buttler’s future as captain.

There were just enough spin bowlers available in the nets. Ben Duckett was the first to arrive on the practice pitch at the edge of the main square. A left-arm fingerspinner collaborated with a right-arm leg-spinner, while Duckett was eager to step out or clear his front leg at any given chance. Although it may be easier to do this against net bowlers, Duckett had shown little respect for Adam Zampa just three days prior; this duel resulted in 50 runs off 36 balls as Duckett achieved a Champions Trophy record score. Now, under the lights, it seemed like his form was still intact.

It is perhaps how he appears around this time tomorrow evening, with the floodlights glowing and dew beginning to settle, that will dictate England’s fate. England expressed their concerns about the disadvantage that dew posed during the latter stages of Australia’s victory on Saturday after Australia won the toss and opted to have England bowl second. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged earlier today that Afghanistan stands a better chance of winning when they bat first; indeed, they executed this game plan perfectly in Delhi at the 2023 World Cup, setting a competitive score before defeating England by 69 runs. When they meet to toss, perhaps both teams’ interests will coincide.

“In the Australia game, the dew certainly impacted the second innings, making the ball skid on better,” said Jos Buttler, speaking before the match. “Every game is unique; you have to perform well, and winning the toss doesn’t guarantee a victory either. So whatever happens with the toss, we need to deliver a performance to win the game.”

Although it is just one result that places England in the precarious position of needing to win tomorrow to avoid elimination, their overall performance under Buttler’s captaincy makes England’s circumstances unsurprising. The defeat to Australia marked England’s 21st ODI loss under Buttler, compared to only 12 victories.

Since the commencement of the 2023 World Cup, their form has been particularly troubling, with seven wins out of 17 matches. A loss to Afghanistan tomorrow would guarantee elimination in the group stage for two consecutive ODI tournaments, a stark contrast to England’s dominance in the format between 2015 and 2019, when they captured the 2019 World Cup on home soil. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, it is unlikely to enhance Buttler’s chances of leading England in another ODI ICC event.

Buttler recognized that the outcome tomorrow could hold broader significance for his future. “As England’s captain, you always want to perform well and lead your team to victory. We haven’t been doing that enough lately. But if you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, it’s essential to shift your focus back to the positive outcomes that could arise and where you can take the team.”

Shortly after Duckett finished, the England captain took his turn in the nets. This was a more cautious display: a confident stride out followed by tentative pushes down the ground, more defensive blocks than the carefree pick-ups over midwicket. Though he faced some spinners, Jamie Overton bowled to his captain, while the coach delivered a range of fast deliveries.

Despite Afghanistan’s exceptional spin talent, they may find it wiser to target Buttler with pace. While Buttler has thrived against pace outside Asia, the slower conditions during the middle overs in the subcontinent have seen his performances decline. He has averaged 22.75 in Asia in ODI cricket since 2017 at just below 98, with his average and strike rate dropping by 40 and 11 points, respectively. No batter has been dismissed against pace within the first ten balls as frequently as he has; he has suffered this dismissal in five of his last 13 innings, with particular vulnerability against hard lengths.

If there is any consolation, Afghanistan might be the team you’d prefer to face if you’re aware of Buttler’s specific vulnerabilities in Asia. Their spinners were unusually ineffective against South Africa in Karachi during their opening match, with Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmed collectively conceding 175 runs for 3 wickets in 29 overs. Remarkably, this included a wickless outing for Rashid Khan, a first in nine matches.

Shahidi attributed this underperformance to the Karachi pitch providing “no support” for spinners, stating “not a single ball turned.” Should the conditions in Lahore be akin to an overcast day tomorrow, confronting spin in Asia would not pose a significant issue for Buttler. The England captain has scored at a strike rate of 107.46 against spin in Asia since 2023, averaging 36. Given Afghanistan’s tendency to utilize spin to restrict runs during the middle overs, this could provide an opportunity for Buttler to gain the upper hand and shift the momentum for his team.

As his batting practice in the nets came to an end, he faced spin once again. He quickly picked up length, shifting his weight back whenever a delivery fell short, and sent it soaring into the netting that prevented it from reaching cow corner. He countered some of the fuller deliveries with reverse sweeps—some struck cleanly, while others popped up. In such circumstances and given his form, these shots are bold, but it’s what you’d expect from a player who symbolizes this England white-ball era.

“From the tournament’s outset, we were aware that nearly every match is a must-win,” Buttler stated. “With two games remaining, we understand the need to win to progress. It’s a clear situation we’re in. There are areas we aim to enhance and pursue that perfect game.”

England’s confidence, fostered by Brendon McCullum, ensures they always maintain faith that they can unlock such perfection. However, Buttler has enough experience to realize that if they are to find it under his captaincy, it likely needs to happen tomorrow.

Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000

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