The most drastic option also appears to be the least likely.
Buttler, who signed a new two-year central contract last year,
has been a mainstay of England’s white-ball teams for more than a decade. Can they really leave him out completely for the World Cup semi-finals?
That match could take place at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where Butler has scored unbeaten 94, 89 and 116 in the IPL.
Ben Duckett is the extra batsman in the England squad – another man struggling for form.
Duckett averages 18.88 in 12 matches across all formats this winter and was out for a first-ball duck in his most recent innings at the beginning of the month.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Rehan Ahmed will be the left-field replacement. This will be a big call.
Perhaps Friday’s match against New Zealand, effectively a dead rubber for England because they have already won, is the perfect, pressure-free opportunity for Buttler to help ease the decision up the hierarchy.
Former England spinner Alex Hartley said, “Who is ruling out Jos Buttler?”
“If you are, hold on. He’s one of those players where one shot through the covers and he’ll come back.
“If England were not winning matches, it would be a matter of concern. I have no doubt that when Jos Buttler gets a push, he will be fine.”
