NEW DELHI: Following his team’s devastating Champions Trophy elimination by Afghanistan in Lahore on Wednesday, England captain Jos Buttler stated that he would like not to make any “emotional statements” about his captaincy, but that “all possibilities” are on the table.
With the exception of Joe Root, who scored a century, a listless England lost to the Afghans by eight runs, forcing them to leave the marquee event early.
With bowler Azmatullah Omarzai taking five wickets and Afghanistan batsman Ibrahim Zadran hitting an incredible 177, England was bowled out for 317 when chasing 326 for win.
“I don’t want to say any emotional statements right now. But I think for myself and the other guys at the top, we should consider all possibilities,” said Buttler in the post match presentation on his future as the England white-ball skipper.
Following the 2023 World Cup in India and the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas, this marks England’s third consecutive unsuccessful ICC tournament campaign under Buttler’s leadership.
Afghanistan had humiliatingly defeated England by 69 runs in the 2023 Cricket World Cup group stage in New Delhi.
“It’s really disappointing. I thought we had our chances in the game. Another fantastic game of cricket, but disappointing to come out on the wrong side,” added Buttler, whose side was in the match till the 48th over when they lost the wicket of Jamie Overton, who was going great guns at the back end.
Buttler admitted that Afghanistan’s strong batting in the final ten overs made things difficult for his team.
“They got away from us there in the last 10 overs. Credit to Ibrahim (Zadran), he played a fantastic innings. If we look back and reflect, 113 off the last 10 pushed them up to a score that was a very good score on that pitch.”
Root’s ability to remain composed in the face of adversity and score his 120 was commended by the captain.
“He played an unbelievable innings tonight. The way he handled pressure in a run-chase. He needed one of the other top six batters to stay in with him and take the game deeper.”