Jos Buttler says England must adapt ODI game after World Cup
Monday 8 June 2015 15:02, UK
Jos Buttler believes England must move on from their disastrous World Cup campaign when they take on New Zealand in their five-match ODI series.
The sides meet in the opening game at Edgbaston on Tuesday with the home side facing a tough test against a team that were beaten finalists to fellow co-hosts Australia.
In contrast, England registered just two wins from their six matches at the World Cup and looked well behind their rivals in terms of their tactical approach.
The batsmen were often criticised for playing too conservatively and the bowlers were unable to curtail the big-hitters of the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka. Buttler admits England must learn from their mistakes.
"You have to be brutally honest and say we were getting it wrong," said Buttler.
"We almost had to play our perfect game to win. It's time to put the World Cup behind us. It was very disappointing but we learned some key messages.
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"We have to be looking at scores of 350 and upwards. That's the way the game's going. In a few years we'll look back at the World Cup and say it was a turning-point in 50-over cricket.
"The way (New Zealand's) Brendon McCullum captained, the way (South Africa's) AB De Villiers batted. This was a moment in time when the game changed and we have to follow that lead. We don't have any other choice.
"We have to go out there with that freedom and no fear of failure and play the brand of cricket that is so accustomed to 50-over cricket these days. The talent is there."
When the two sides met in the group stage of the World Cup, England were bowled out for 123 before New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.2 overs, McCullum leading the way with 77 from 25 balls.
We have to be looking at scores of 350 and upwards. That's the way the game's going.
Buttler feels England must adapt their game to be more like their opponents, with the upcoming series providing an opportunity for fundamental change.
"We've seen another side do this, so we can go in exactly the same direction as well," he added.
"It gives the new players a real eye-opener as to what international 50-over cricket is now about. We want to win, but whatever happens it'll be a great learning curve."
Watch England v New Zealand in the first ODI live on Sky Sports 2 from 1.30pm on Tuesday.
