CWC 2023: “Don't think there will be a drastic change,” says Buttler as England bow out of World Cup with big win vs Pakistan

The star-studded England cricket team failed to live up to the expectations in this World Cup.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Nov, 2023

The star-studded England cricket team entered into the World Cup 2023 with a lot of expectations but it turned out to be a disastrous campaign for them.

The defending champions failed to qualify for the semi-finals as they managed to register only three wins out of their nine league games.

On Saturday (November 11), the Three Lions bowed out of the showpiece tournament with an emphatic 93-run victory over Pakistan at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

After ending the campaign on a high, England skipper Jos Buttler admitted that there will be lot of 'reflection' but ruled out drastic changes in the setup that happened after their group-stage exit back in 2015.

"I don't think there will be a drastic change of plan like we had in 2015. There are a few things we need to change and build something new. Doesn't mean there'll be a huge clear-out but we have work to do to become a top team again," Buttler said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Ben Stokes, in all probability, played his last ODI while Moeen Ali may not be around in the 50-over format in another two years' time. The likes of Mark Wood or Chris Woakes also might take some call based on work-life balance.

"The World Cup as a whole is a disappointment. We spoke together about how if this is the last game for a lot of players, then let's make some good memories at the very least."

According to Buttler, the crushing win against Pakistan showed the real strength of this English team.

"Lots to reflect on and ultimately disappointing but good to win today. We showed the true version of ourselves. We haven't shown enough what we're capable of. Lots of us haven't performed to our level," he said.

Earlier in the tournament, Stokes was not available for selection in the playing XI due to fitness issues and it was a big factor, conceded Buttler.

"To not have him (Stokes) available for a few games was a challenge but we're a good enough team to have been able to deal with it."

(With PTI Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 12 Nov, 2023

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