ISLAMABAD: Michael Vaughan has suggested that while Jos Buttler is likely to be blamed for England’s disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 exit, the team’s problems extend far beyond his leadership.
Vaughan noted that the most concerning part of England’s defeat to Afghanistan in Lahore on February 27 was that it came as no surprise, according to The Telegraph.
Vaughan: Buttler will be the scapegoat
According to The Telegraph, Vaughan says, “This is part of a bigger pattern. I expect there will be changes again after this. Given that Jos Buttler has been involved in three consecutive failed ICC tournaments, he likely won’t survive as captain.”
He further adds, “The 50-over World Cup was a disaster for several reasons, and the T20 in the Caribbean was underwhelming, leading to Matthew Mott’s departure. With another loss to Afghanistan, Buttler will become the scapegoat. But let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking this will fix everything, as England’s issues are much more profound.”
The defeat to Afghanistan marked England’s sixth consecutive loss in 50-over cricket. Since the 2023 World Cup, they have lost 12 of 16 ODIs, including a 3-0 whitewash in India before the Champions Trophy, which was Brendon McCullum’s first assignment as 50-over coach.
After their exit from the T20 World Cup last year, England underwent significant changes both on and off the field, with Matthew Mott stepping down as coach, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan retiring from international cricket, and Jonny Bairstow being dropped.
Since last summer, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, and John Turner have all made their white-ball debuts.
Now, at the lowest point of Buttler’s captaincy, further significant changes are expected.
Cannot seem to give full attention to both Test and white-ball cricket”
“In English cricket, we just cannot seem to give full attention to both Test and white-ball cricket. At no stage in our history have we been good at both for any meaningful period? That is not good enough and is down to management.”
He further says, “Look at Australia, New Zealand, and even South Africa now. They can juggle formats. We always talk about how much talent there is in English cricket and I do not doubt that. We have a huge amount. But why can’t we have a great Test and white-ball team at the same time?”
ALSO READ: Buttler Faces Pressure as England’s Captaincy on the Line Against Afghanistan
Vaughan went on to criticise England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, and the selection team as having “taken their eye off the ball” regarding the white-ball format.
In particular, Vaughan criticised their stance on picking pace bowlers and voiced concern over younger batters in the squad who “do not know how to build innings” in 50-over cricket.
“It’s time to accept the approach is not working,” wrote Vaughan. “To get back to their best, they are going to have to think a bit more deeply than just rocking up and playing. For a problem this deep, there are no quick fixes.”
