Cricket World Cup 2023 | England skipper Buttler backs his side’s attacking approach

England skipper Jos Buttler backs attacking approach to defend 50-over World Cup crown. New Zealand's Tom Latham feels England's approach gives his side an opportunity. NZ not bothered by underdog tag, confident of playing to best of their ability.

 England skipper Jos Buttler backed his side’s attacking approach to hold it in good stead in Indian conditions as it tries to defend the 50-over World Cup crown.

When asked if the surfaces here, which could be slower and aid spin, pose the biggest challenge to its method, Buttler said, “Reading the conditions quickly will be a big part of the game.

But we will try to adapt our style of attacking cricket to whatever surfaces we are playing on. We will always - whatever the sort of game is - try and play at the higher level of that.”

The English skipper also tried to play down the defending champion tag, saying, “I think I have spoken quite a bit about not feeling like we are defending anything. We are in the same position now as every other team. We are here to try and win the World Cup. We all start in the same place and have big dreams and ambitions of going all the way.”

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s stand-in skipper Tom Latham felt England’s attacking approach could give his side an opportunity.

“For us, it is about trying to plan as best you can; in terms of our scouting and areas that we want to bowl in, we want to put pressure on. If we can do that and make some early inroads, that will be great. We know they will keep coming hard, which also presents us with opportunities,” said Latham.

Despite New Zealand consistently reaching the business end of ICC tournaments, it is viewed as an underdog, and Latham said they are not bothered by the tag.