Stuart Broad has talked up England’s chances of retaining their T20 World Cup trophy and says Jos Buttler’s resurgence could be ‘huge’ for the defending champions.
England will attempt to win back-to-back T20 World Cups when the ninth edition of the tournament starts in the Caribbean and the United States in June.
Buttler’s side won the last T20 World Cup, held in Australia, after beating Pakistan by five wickets in the final.
Broad believes the captain’s form will be ‘key’ to England’s chances of winning a third T20 World Cup, with Buttler looking back to his best during the current Indian Premier League.
Buttler has scored two unbeaten centuries in seven innings, helping Rajasthan Royals climb to the top of the IPL table after eight games.
Asked to rate England’s chances of winning the upcoming T20 World Cup, Broad told Sky Sports: ‘I like their chances. They’re definitely conditions that can suit England.
‘They’ve played a lot of cricket in Barbados and Antigua so they know the pitches and conditions really well. They won the last World Cup in the Caribbean too.
‘Jos Buttler is coming back into form for the Rajasthan Royals and I think that could be the key. In T20 you want your top-three scoring the bulk of the runs and he’s someone who is just incredible when he’s on song.
‘He had a quiet 50-over World Cup, he’s had a quiet year really, so for him to come into form and peak at the right time is huge.
‘They’re always difficult to win, there’s so many competitive teams out there. But England will fancy their chances of getting to the latter stages.’
Only two teams – England and West Indies – have won multiple T20 World Cups. India, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all have one trophy apiece.
The 2024 tournament starts on June 1 with hosts United States taking on Canada in Texas. England kick-start their World Cup campaign three days later against Scotland.
England suffered a hugely disappointing group-stage exit at the last 50-over World Cup last year as Australia beat India in the final to become six-time champions.
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