After defeat in India, England start tournament against Australia, who are without their feared fast-bowling trio
In contrast to the drawn-out 50-over World Cup and its T20 equivalent, the Champions Trophy is quite a cutthroat affair, with one slip-up in the group stage manageable but two likely terminal. Jos Buttler called it a brutal format before England’s opener against Australia in Lahore on Saturday, while his opposite number, Steve Smith, spoke of needing a “quarter-final” mentality.
As unforgiving as it is, there is a fair bit riding on this Champions Trophy for Buttler, a captain who lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022 straight after replacing Eoin Morgan but has struggled to live up to it since. Series results have nose-dived, both world titles were surrendered meekly, and the messaging has often been confusing. Matthew Mott paid the price as head coach last year but not every shortcoming was his.
Written by Ali Martin in Lahore
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/feb/21/champions-trophy-make-or-break-for-buttler-as-england-look-to-stop-slide under the title “Champions Trophy make or break for Buttler as England look to stop slide”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
