Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Jos Buttler from left to right. (Agencies/IPL)
England players Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, and Phil Salt have left the Indian Premier League for national duty in the playoff week. Ahead of the T20 World Cup in West Indies, the USA Buttler-led side was set to play a four-match T20I series against Pakistan as part of their preparation for the showpiece event as a team.
However, former cricket Michael Vaughan would say the three players who were part of teams that qualified should have stayed back and played the playoffs.
“I think you’re going to miss the trick by sending all their players home. You know, I think Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Josh Butler, in particular, playing in the IPL in the eliminators, pressure, crowd, expectation. I would argue that playing here is better preparation than playing a T20 game against Pakistan,” Vaughan said on ‘Club Prairie Fire’ podcast
“I’m all for international cricket, but now and again, this tournament in particular, it’s so exposed to pressure. These players are under a huge amount of pressure from fans, owners, and social media. It’s massive. I just felt particularly those two, and Butler, probably not as much, but I still think he could have stayed here,” former England captain added.
“But Will Jacks and Phil Salt, I think they’d have been better prepared staying here playing in the IPL, then going back to head and let’s play a game,” Vaughan concluded.
England lead series
After a washed-out opening contest, England stepped up on their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2024 with a 23-run win over Pakistan in the second T20I at Edgbaston on Saturday.
England skipper Jos Buttler shepherded the innings with a 51-ball 84. With cameos from Will Jacks and Jonny Bairstow around Buttler, England threatened to set up a high total before a collapse sent them from 144 for two to 183 for seven in five overs.
In reply, Pakistan openers Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub fell cheaply within the Powerplay before Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman pulled them out of imminent trouble. The duo added 53 runs for the third wicket before Moeen Ali trapped Babar leg-before on 32.
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