T20 World Cup 2024: Michael Vaughan On Importance of Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer for England

June 17, 2024 0 858

Michael Vaughan believes England’s chances of winning the T20 World Cup 2024 hinge on Jofra Archer’s bowling and Jos Buttler’s batting form.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan emphasized the crucial role of Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in England’s quest to win the 2024 T20 World Cup, as they progressed to the Super Eights after defeating Namibia by 41 runs in a rain-affected Group B match in Antigua. Their advancement was aided by Australia’s five-wicket win over Scotland in St Lucia.

Vaughan highlighted that for England to reach the semi-finals and beyond, Archer’s consistent bowling and Buttler’s batting form will be pivotal. Archer, known for his ability to bowl every over, has made a strong return, while Buttler, the team’s captain, needs to find his rhythm with the bat, as Vaughan wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.

“To get to the semi-finals and even further, England need two players at their best. Jofra Archer is hugely important for England. He’s that bowler who can bowl every over of the 20, and his return has been very good so far,” Vaughan wrote.

“And then Jos Buttler has got to find form. The skipper needs to find a bit of rhythm with the bat. Jos is the kind of player that can win a game on his own. England are going to need him,” he added.

Vaughan also expressed confidence that England could successfully defend their title in the 2024 T20 World Cup, drawing parallels with their victorious campaign in Australia 18 months ago. Looking ahead, he underlined the importance of England winning at least one of their crucial upcoming matches against South Africa and West Indies in the Super Eights, a phase he described as manageable, albeit challenging.

“In the Super Eight, they’re in what people would term the easier of the groups, meaning no disrespect to the United States. But you would expect the three major teams to win against them. So it comes down to the two big games against South Africa and West Indies – England will have to win at least one. It’s not the worst position to be in at all,” he continued.

“Spin’s going to play a big part in the last stages of the tournament, as we play on some used pitches, especially in the day games. Adil Rashid will become more and more important in the game. “The crucial question is going to be how England play spin. England has got very good players of spin but they also need to be smart. If there’s a short boundary to target, or the wind’s a factor, you want a left and right-hand combination out there, especially as West Indies will pick two left-arm spinners,” the former cricketer concluded.

In the Super Eights, England will face co-hosts West Indies and USA, along with South Africa in Group 2.