T20 World Cup: Jos Buttler counts on Bairstow’s experience for title defence

England skipper Jos Buttler is counting on Jonny Bairstow’s experience for their title defence as the English side is set to begin their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign on June 4 against Scotland.

England claimed their second T20 World Cup after beating Pakistan in the final in 2022 with Ben Stokes starring for the winning side. Buttler confirmed that Bairstow will play at number four in the upcoming tournament as he has the necessary experience for it.

"I think for every player in the team, it's about trying to read the situation of the game and play accordingly," Buttler said at a presser. "I think Jonny's got the experience and the game to play that role for us at No. 4.

"It's something he's done quite a bit in the T20 side previously as well, and he's got great variety in his game. So, he is used to batting in the powerplay should that situation arrive at No. 4, but he has also got experience and power, and is a good player of spin throughout the middle phase as well."

Bairstow missed the T20 World Cup 2022 due to an injury he picked while playing golf and he is now set to represent his country. The wicketkeeper batter spent the majority of his last year while in playing in India.

"I think he's excited. I think he's in a good space," Buttler said. "He's been away for a long time, but he is a very proud guy and he has been playing a lot of cricket for England over that period of time, which is where he wants to be.

"So, he seems in a good space. His family is going to be with him on this trip as well, which is nice. And I think getting that injury just before the last T20 World Cup, I'm sure he's really excited for this one."

England T20 World Cup squad

Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Mark Wood

England T20 World Cup fixtures

4 June: v Scotland @ Barbados

8 June: v Australia @ Barbados

13 June: v Oman @Antigua

15 June: v Namibia @ Antigua

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