Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 26: Former England opener Nick Knight has raised concerns over Jos Buttler’s batting position ahead of England’s crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Afghanistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Knight believes that the England skipper is not being utilized to his full potential by batting at number six.
Buttler managed only 23 runs off 21 balls at a strike rate of 109.52 in England’s tournament opener against Australia, hitting just one boundary and a six.
"I have really strong feelings about this. Jos Buttler, for me, is not taking enough part in the construction of an innings. He's one of the best in the world, simple as that, let alone one of the best in the team. He's the best player. With your best player, you want them to play as much of a role within the outcome of the innings as possible," Knight said on ESPNcricinfo’s Matchday show.
The former left-handed batter also criticized England’s decision to send Harry Brook instead of Buttler when the partnership between Joe Root and Ben Duckett was broken against Australia.
"I thought England made an error in the last game when they had that partnership broken between [Joe] Root and [Ben] Duckett and they brought in Harry Brook. Harry Brook is a very fine player but is a little bit out of touch at the moment. I personally would have just sent Buttler in. As soon as it ticks over to 20-25 overs, Buttler's in next... Be flexible with your batting line-up, get your best player in," Knight added.
The upcoming match between England and Afghanistan is a virtual knockout, with the losing team set to exit the tournament. Both sides are under pressure after suffering defeats in their opening matches—Afghanistan lost to South Africa, while England failed to defend a big total against Australia.
With the Australia-South Africa match ending in a washout, this high-stakes encounter will decide which team stays in contention. The match is expected to be a fascinating battle between England’s explosive batting lineup and Afghanistan’s world-class spinners.