England have not yet committed to fielding their strongest side in Friday's T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, but Jos Buttler will be given the chance to end his miserable run of form. The team's coaching staff remains convinced that a return to his usual high standards is imminent, despite Buttler's top score of 26 in the tournament and single-digit scores in his last four innings.
“He’s hitting it as well as he has in the nets,” said England bowling coach Tim Southee. “I’m sure he’s only a couple of good strikes away from another amazing innings. He’s doing all he can to perform.” Southee also confirmed that Buttler would be selected, calling him a “dangerous player” whose name on the team sheet is a concern for opposition bowlers.
England bowler Mark Wood, who stood in for Buttler on the former captain's podcast, advised Buttler to believe in himself. “He might have had a couple of low scores but he’s that good his class will eventually come through,” Wood said. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter also expects a revival, stating, “No one will ever doubt his quality.”
New Zealand need a win to secure a place in the final four, and both teams know that victory will likely avoid group leaders South Africa. Encouragingly for England, New Zealand's bowling has lacked edge, taking only 27 wickets compared to England's 51. Batters average 28.62 against New Zealand, significantly higher than against other top sides.
Despite already qualifying for the semi-finals, England remain motivated to regain peak form. Buttler is the only member of the top seven not to have scored more than 40 at the World Cup, and the team is searching for perfection ahead of the knockout stages.
