After the defeat against Australia in Ahmedabad on Sunday, England's slim chances of qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2023 semifinals have come to an end, even in terms of the most unlikely mathematical possibility.
In fact, after seven matches, the reigning champions find themselves at the bottom of the points table, requiring a victory in their last two games to secure direct qualification for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Very little has gone right for England in both their batting and bowling performances. While captain Jos Buttler has run out of explanations for his team's poor showing in the tournament, he has attributed it to his own subpar performance. The English captain has scored 43, 20, 9, 15, 8, 10, and 1 in his seven innings, totalling 106 runs with an average of 15.14.
"I think my own form has been something that's probably the most frustrating thing," Buttler said after England's 33-run loss against Australia. "Obviously, I've had a pivotal position in the batting lineup, so to play as poorly as I have done has had a big effect on the team.
"I think the belief in my game is as high as it's ever been really, which is why there's so much frustration. Coming into the tournament I felt in fantastic form, as good a form as I've been in. So, to be sat here having had the tournament I've had is incredibly frustrating, but it doesn't shake your belief. If I stop believing in myself, I've got to make sure I'm the last one that does that.
In spite of England's renowned aggressive approach to limited overs batting, they found themselves in a chasing situation as they pursued Australia's total of 286. After forming an 84-run partnership for the third wicket with Ben Stokes, David Malan attempted a powerful shot to deep square leg and was dismissed when he had reached 50. Subsequently, a couple of wickets were lost in quick succession, but Stokes, along with Moeen Ali, managed to regain control of the innings.
Jos Buttler continued to support his batters, even though Malan's dismissal had given Australia an opportunity to strengthen their position.
"The run rate is getting to a point where you have to try and score some runs and he obviously took an option on. I never criticize guys for being positive and trying to score runs," Buttler said.
"Personally, I wanted to try and put some pressure back on the opposition. It was a mis-execution, the ball was in the right area to hit. And I didn't manage to play the shot correctly. So his dismissal had no effect on mine."
In spite of a disappointing spell of individual performance, along with the team's struggles, Buttler has maintained that the leadership role as the England white-ball captain hasn't affected him. He also mentioned that, in reality, it's his batting performance that has been a source of greater frustration for him.
"It's (captaincy) something I've enjoyed that responsibility in, in T20 cricket and ODI cricket before this tournament. I felt like it's brought out a lot of really good things in my batting. So, it's been frustrating. I can't quite put a finger on why I'm not playing to the level I expected myself (to)."
England is currently scheduled to travel to Pune, where they are set to face the Netherlands on November 8. Their final league match is slated to take place against Pakistan at Eden Gardens on November 11.