The English skipper Jos Buttler said that in their team, nobody is thinking about taking international retirement. England’s first warm-up game against India has been called off due to heavy rains at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.
While talking to Daily Mail, England’s wicketkeeper said he hasn’t noticed anyone in his group speak about international retirement. Talking about the England side, they are coming to play the tournament as defending champions, having defeated New Zealand in the final in 2019.
“I haven’t heard anything about international retirement from anyone in our group. I don’t think anyone’s thinking that at the moment because they’re focused on the team and playing well at the start of an exciting campaign. But there might be individuals after this World Cup who want to make this kind of decision,” said Buttler.
Players like Buttler, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes are in their 30s, this could be the final World Cup edition for them. Therefore, they are looking to finish the mega event on a winning note.
“We don’t need to add pressure by saying this is the last dance or anything like that. We’re looking forward to the World Cup and we’ve got a really strong group of players. Any time you get to represent your country at a World Cup is very exciting and needs your full attention. You don’t want anyone thinking too far past it,” Buttler added.
After taking part in the two warm-up matches, the English side will play 2019 finalists New Zealand in the season opener of the 2023 ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5.
England’s World Cup squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.