England captain Harry Brook has thrown his full support behind Jos Buttler after the senior batter endured a difficult run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Buttler’s lean patch continued in the Super 8 clash against New Zealand national cricket team in Colombo where he was dismissed for a duck, caught behind off Lockie Ferguson.
The experienced opener has managed just 62 runs across seven innings in the tournament, including five consecutive single digit scores. After modest contributions earlier in the competition his form has dipped significantly, raising questions about his place in the playing XI ahead of the knockout stage.
However Brook dismissed concerns surrounding his teammate’s future, urging critics to remember Buttler’s long-standing contributions to English cricket. The skipper described him as the greatest white ball cricketer to have played the game and insisted the current slump is only temporary. According to Brook players of Buttler’s calibre often respond strongly when under pressure and he expects a big turnaround in the coming matches.
Statistically Buttler’s white ball record remains impressive. Across 150 T20 internationals he averages in the mid 30s with a strike rate above 145, underlining his match-winning credentials despite the current downturn. Brook also highlighted the hunger and determination still visible in the former captain suggesting it is only a matter of time before he delivers on the big stage once again.
England have alternatives available including Ben Duckett but Brook’s public endorsement indicates Buttler is likely to feature in the semi final potentially against India national cricket team or West Indies cricket team in Mumbai.
Buttler’s struggles are not limited to this tournament. In recent months he has registered only one half century across 24 international and franchise innings. His last significant ICC contribution came during the 2024 T20 World Cup when he scored an unbeaten 83 against the USA.
Despite Buttler’s form England secured a crucial four wicket win over New Zealand thanks to impactful performances from Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed who guided the chase of 160 with three balls remaining. The victory ensured England finished top of Group 2 in the Super 8 stage while the final semi final spot will be decided after the clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
With the knockout rounds approaching all eyes will be on Buttler to see whether he can silence critics and rediscover the explosive touch that has defined his white ball career.