England’s dismal performance in the ICC World Cup 2023 sparked criticism from ex-cricketers. Michael Vaughan, the former skipper, urged the team to emulate Virat Kohli’s fitness regimen after their premature exit led by Jos Buttler. The defending champs’ early elimination marked a forgettable campaign, prompting Vaughan’s advice amid the backlash.
“This relaxed, carefree attitude of the Bazballers has been great but it should not roll into white-ball games. In white-ball cricket you have to be fit, running between wickets and in the outfield. Look at Virat Kohli. He spends four hours running around in the field and then goes and bats for 3-4 hours and masterminds the chase. That is fitness,” Vaughan penned his thoughts in a column for The Telegraph.
“English cricket has to set benchmarks and fitness is hugely important for discipline. It shows discipline in life if you are fit and looking after yourself, getting in the gym, pounding the treadmill and doing your miles. Cricket is a running game. I hope Key and the team behind the scenes are making sure that is important and not going back to the old-school days,” he added.
Jos Buttler credits himself for England’s dismal performance at World Cup 2023
“My own form has been the biggest concern,” wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler said at the post-match presentation ceremony. Coming into the tournament I felt in a great space. So to have not played as well as I can in such a pivotal role is disappointing. My own performance with the bat has hurt us,” said Buttler.
