ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Jos Buttler Will Make the Difference for England Says Marcus Trescothick

Former England opener Marcus Trescothick feels if England harbour hopes of winning the 2019 World Cup, then the form of Jos Buttler with the bat in hand will be very crucial for England. They will be hosting the tournament after 1999 and will look to lift their 1^st World Cup title. However, Trescothick firmly believes if England is to win the tournament then Jos Buttler has to play a huge rule for the hosts.

Buttler is in the form of his life at the moment. The way he takes on the opposition bowlers with disdain is something special. He has already smashed 7 centuries in his ODI cricket which also includes the sensational 77 balls 150 against the Windies. He has been in terrific form and has been smashing the opposition bowlers all around the park.

Trescothick had played with Jos Buttler at Somerset earlier this season. The southpaw feels that Jos Buttler has to play out of his skin if England wants to end the 44 years of drought and finally bring home the World Cup later in the year.

“That hundred he scored against the West Indies was absolutely sensational. To see someone, play in that fashion is quite stunning,” said Trescothick, who was helping to launch the ‘Wickets’ mural in Taunton, which gives fans a chance to win a pair of tickets to CWC19. 

“Jos is on fire and whatever game he is playing and in whatever format, he is superb now. I really hope his form continues into the World Cup, because if he is in form then he will be the stand-out difference for England.”

England has reached the World Cup final on three occasions prior to this edition. They lost the final in 1979 against Windies, against Australia in 1987 and against Pakistan in 1992. Trescothick believes that the time has come for England to get their hands on the biggest prize in world cricket. Trescothick feels that playing in home conditions will definitely by an advantage for England. In the last two editions both India and Australia won the tournament on their home soil. Hence it will also be on the back of England’s mind.

 “I think it will come down to two teams, either England or India to win it. They are ranked one and two in the world and I think England has as good a chance as we have ever had to win the World Cup with the home advantage.

“It is a big deal to play World Cup matches at home. Having experienced one World Cup in my career back in 2003, it would have been lovely to have it in your own country. 

“It is homelier, and there is a chance to get away from it and you are secure in your surroundings, you know the hotels and the places you go to in each city, you know all the grounds. It is all more familiar and a bit more relaxing. 

“There are other demands. The crowds will expect, and the country will put a bit of pressure on the team, but they are in such a good place now that I believe they can cope with those things.”

England are the No 1 ODI side in the world at the moment and have a sensational brand of cricket in the last few years. However, they got a reality check during the series against Windies. They should pull their socks up and try and win their 1^st World Cup competition.