NEW DELHI: England's managing director, Rob Key, acknowledged that the decision to prioritise Test cricket over one-day internationals played a role in the team's disappointing World Cup campaign. Despite a promising year for England in test cricket, their early exit from the World Cup, with six defeats in the first seven matches, leaves a bitter aftertaste. Key expressed support for coach Matthew Mott, emphasising the need for honest conversations to identify improvements.
Defending champions England, led by captain Jos Buttler, finished in seventh place on the points table, failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Key admitted that his consistent choice to prioritise Test cricket over the shorter formats contributed to the team's struggles in the World Cup.
"It's hard for me to be critical of Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott when I'm the one who, every single time the decision has been made for whether or not we focus on 50-over cricket, test cricket, or T20, I've always chosen test cricket," Key told reporters.
Key acknowledged the mistake of assuming the team would smoothly transition into old habits without sufficient 50-over cricket preparation. Despite the disappointing World Cup campaign, England's entertaining and aggressive "Bazball" approach in test matches has received acclaim.
Speaking about white-ball coach Matthew Mott, who received Key's full backing, the managing director stressed the need for the team to play to their potential and improve their performance.
"We'll have some pretty honest conversations and say, 'right, what are you going to do to improve this'? But he gets my full backing and an opportunity to try and turn it around," Key affirmed.
Highlighting the potential of Mott and Buttler as a partnership, Key stated, "This actually should be the making of those two as a partnership. If it isn't, it isn't, and you move on, but we have to make sure some good comes out of what has been a very poor World Cup."
Looking ahead, England are scheduled to face the West Indies in a multi-format series, featuring three ODIs from Dec. 3-9 and five T20s from Dec. 12-21.
(With inputs from Reuters)
