Jos Buttler sets challenge to England players as West Indies win on Andrew Flintoff coaching return
Cricket news: Jos Buttler has opened up after England lost to West Indies
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Jos Buttler has challenged England players to stop conceding so many sixes after their T20 defeat to West Indies on Monday night.
The Three Lions welcomed Andrew Flintoff back to their coaching setup prior to the match.
However, England were unable to come out on top with West Indies winning by four wickets by clocking up 172 runs from 18.1 overs.
Buttler was disappointed by the outcome of the match - and feels his side must stop conceding so many sixes if they're to bounce back and improve.
Cricket news: England lost to West Indies by four wickets
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“From the position we were in at halfway, to only end up with 170 is an area we could have improved in,” Buttler said.
“The wicket definitely got harder and the West Indies adapted.
“They hit a lot of sixes as a team, that’s something that is a trademark of their side and we’ve got to find ways to limit that.
"Obviously the swing in the game with sixes is so big.
“You’ve got to find ways to get it out the arc, try and find ways to take wickets as well, be aggressive and be committed.
"It’s a great test for us and we’ll find out lots over the next few games.
“But certainly we need to find a way to score 20-25 more runs in that phase which would have been a really good score on that wicket.”
Buttler was, however, enthused by the performances of Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid.
The pair took a combined five wickets during the contest, with seamer Chris Woakes taking the other.
And Buttler praised the duo, saying: “It was great to see them operate together.
“We need to find out if it’s an option here before we get to the World Cup."
On Rashid specifically, he added: “He was class again.
“He’s been a key player for England for such a long period of time, to reach 100 caps shows his longevity, his skill and he’s been such an important member of our team.”
As for the Weest Indies, Andre Russell impressed with the bat.
The all-rounder is back on the international scene after being persuaded to return by head coach Darren Sammy.
And Russell was delighted to be back, saying: “I still have a lot left in the tank, but based on discussions with the coach I told him that after the World Cup, I would walk away from international cricket.
“But if they need me, I will come out of retirement.
"If West Indies should still need me, I would be willing to put in the hard yards for them.
"I always want to play for West Indies.
“Sometimes people might think it’s all about playing leagues and all of those things, but I try to make sure that I look after my body and make sure that when this call up is here, I’m ready.”
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England and West Indies meet again on Thursday (5.30pm).
And whether Buttler's side can bounce back to level the series remains to be seen.
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