In-form England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has issued a warned for the team competing at the ICC World Cup 2019 that they should be wary of what Pakistan could do on their day. Meanwhile, with the suspension for slow-over over-rate England captain Eoin Morgan has missed out the penultimate game which subsequently saw Buttler donning the captain’s hat.
The exciting batsman has a mixed run so far in the ongoing series. England has although won the five-match series against Sarfraz Ahmed-led side. But, Buttler himself got out on a duck in their previously-held encounter on what turned out to be yet another featherbed.
In Southampton, Buttler has played a gem of a knock while remaining unbeaten on 110.
With the three-wicket win over Men in Green at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham the Three Lions further took an unassailable lead of 3-0. Besides, the fifth and final match is scheduled at the Headingley in Leeds on Sunday (May 19).
The hard-hitting batsman Buttler, who averages 41.63 in ODIs, believes teams should not take Pakistan too lightly in the forthcoming event. The ten-team tourney will begin when England wrestles with upbeat South African team in London on May 30.
Pakistan lost three games on the trot in England:
The 28-year-old right-handed batsman Buttler conceded they as a team have witnessed how Pakistan rose to the occasions during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Pertinently, Pakistan thumped England by eight wickets during the Champions Trophy semi-final. Back then, Pakistan bowlers restricted England at a total of 211 in 49.5 overs.
Thereon, Pakistan went on to beat India in the finale comprehensively by 180 runs when Fakhar Zaman slammed a fine hundred following a reprieve (no-ball) from Jasprit Bumrah at The Oval on June 18, 2017.
“Don’t underestimate Pakistan for the World Cup. They are a dangerous opponent as we saw at the Champions Trophy,” Buttler said at the post-match presser.
With World Cup commencing from May 30 in London, Pakistan will kick-off their campaign against the Windies on May 31st.
So far, Pakistan’s bowlers have lacked in picking the wickets during the middle overs. However, a good sign for them that their batting has shown some character on more of batting-friendly surfaces in England.