Jos Buttler believes Joe Root could hold the important thing to success in three ODIs against India because the England captain urged his side to “double down” on their approach despite a T20 series thrashing.
England lost 4-1 in Brendon McCullum’s first series as white-ball head coach but now start their Champions Trophy preparations on Thursday in Nagpur against the 50-over World Cup finalists.
Root is ready for his first ODI appearance in 15 months and can again be expected to be England’s glue, holding the innings together from number three in a task he performed with distinction as much as the 2019 World Cup.
The Yorkshireman has flitted out and in of the ODI team since then due to his duties with the Test side, where he has been in outstanding form since relinquishing the captaincy two-and-a-half years ago.
One in every of the greats
“He’s one in all the nice players of the sport in all formats and an important a part of ODI cricket for England for a very long time,” Buttler said.
“I’m excited to see him on this phase of his profession – have a look at what he’s done in Tests when he’s not had the captaincy, he’s back with that cheeky smile on his face and really having fun with his cricket.
“I’m expecting him to do the exact same on this environment. He’s got a great deal of experience in ODI cricket which shall be great for among the guys who haven’t played as much in our group.
“He’s been an important player for England in all formats and we actually feel like he’s got an important role for us to play in these games.”
England’s batting has been unconvincing against India’s spinners, but there shall be no diverting from the script of attempting to put pressure on the opposition and bowlers at all times seeking to take wickets.
“We consider that’s the easiest way for us to win games of cricket and get one of the best out of the players,” Buttler added. “We’ll double down on that.
“The 50-over format really suits everyone within the squad. Guys like Ben Duckett, the best way he’s been playing in Test cricket and ODIs, it’s the exact same. It’s the right blueprint for batting long and getting big lots of.
“That’s one thing that is actually exciting about ODI cricket as a batter, from numbers one to 6, you have got the chance to go and rating lots of, whereas in T20 cricket it’s difficult to attain three figures from outside the highest three. That’s something I’m looking forward to.”
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