Champion: Jos Buttler
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Jos Buttler has called on England to play with freedom in the opening one-day international against Australia just days after winning the T20 World Cup.
Buttler’s vice-captain Moeen Ali questioned the timing of the series, calling it “horrible”, and, while his skipper backed the sentiment, he told his players to still embrace the experience.
“It’s tough, absolutely, but we just get on with it,” he said. “It is a fast turnaround. There’s no point hiding away that it will be a challenge for us having had such a high a few days ago.
“We just go into it trying to really enjoy the games and play with lots of freedom, not that we need any excuse to do that. Once you get over the line and you’re playing against Australia, I’m sure those competitive juices will get going.”
England look set to start tomorrow’s game with at least three of the players who lined up for Sunday’s World Cup final against Pakistan.
Buttler has a raft of options to choose from with England’s batting options extended to include a returning Jason Roy, who was overlooked for the T20 World Cup following a drop in form, James Vince and Dawid Malan, who missed the semi-final and final.
Of Malan, his captain said: “He was fit to play in the final. There was an element of risk which we didn’t want to take but he’s had a few more days. I’m sure he’ll be in a place to play.
“There’s fresh energy, some fantastic players coming in want to stamp their mark. There’s such depth in talent in the white-ball game, it’s tough to get in the final XI and good players miss out.
“A few guys maybe didn’t have as many chances as they would have liked throughout the World Cup but they’re desperate to perform. It’s always the mark of a good team when good players are missing out.”
