LAHORE: England captain Jos Buttler has emphasized the importance of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Australia.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Buttler expressed confidence in his side while acknowledging the challenges posed by local conditions.
“We had a few practice sessions in Lahore, which have been quite beneficial,” he said. “Our top three batters are in great form, and we’ll be looking to step onto the field with a solid combination.”
With England set to face tough competition, Jos Buttler highlighted the significance of putting runs on the board.
Catch every Champions Trophy update here!
“We will try to score as many runs as possible to put pressure on the opposition,” he added.
He recognized the challenges his team faced during their time in India, where the conditions proved difficult and unfavourable.
Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that the valuable experience his teammates gained while competing in the PSL would serve as a crucial advantage.
“The conditions here in Pakistan will be different from India,” he stated. “However, we have players in our squad who have played in the PSL, and they are sharing their experience with us, which is proving to be valuable.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
England will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 22 against arch-rivals Australia at Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.
The second group match will be against Afghanistan on February 26, also at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage encounter is scheduled for March 1 against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi.
It’s worth noting that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on 20 February revealed their Playing XI for the match against Australia.
England Playing XI for Australia clash: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood.
READ: Former Pakistan captain offers valuable advice to Imam-ul-Haq ahead of India clash