WI v ENG 2019: England building towards St. Lucia with "hurt pride", says Buttler

Third and final Test of the series kickstarts on February 9.

That kinda series for English batsmen | Getty

Jos Buttler conceded this has been a "really disappointing tour" of the Caribbean for his team. England vice-captain is gearing up for the third and final Test of the ongoing series against West Indies with "hurt pride"

The visitors arrive into this game after receiving twin hammerings from Jason Holder's men at Barbados and Antigua. Especially in the batting department, which has managed scores of just 77, 246, 187 and 132 across its four innings so far. 

"It has been a really disappointing tour so far. We have played well under what we are capable of and what we expect of ourselves," Buttler was quoted saying by ESPNcricinfo, "We have not been able to soak up areas of pressure West Indies have put on us and we haven't got anything going in partnerships. Those are the areas we need to improve this week."

Head coach Trevor Bayliss blamed the "ODI mindset" with which his team seems to play their red-ball cricket, after the heavy defeat. 

"Were Trevor's words stinging? Yes, of course. As a player, when those kind of things are questioned, it can hurt your pride. You want to prove him wrong," Buttler said. 

"Darren Bravo showed lots of guts and courage on a tough wicket. It was a good example of a way of playing and being brave. He took lots of blows. And sometimes that is what it takes."

"But the guts, courage and determination of the group is very strong. We have not been good enough to show that at times on this tour. This week we will be looking to show lots more of that."

There is widespread criticism of England's aggressive approach but Buttler insisted there is nothing much wrong in the way this team bats. Only the execution has been missing. 

"The plan isn't changing. If I look back at the games I've been involved in since I came back into the side, the conditions have been fast-forward cricket. That style of being bold and attacking has paid dividends at times," he signed off. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 08 Feb, 2019

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