T20 World Cup: Jos Buttler’s form poses a problem for England

The most radical option seems the least likely.

Buttler, who signed a new two-year central contract last year, has been a mainstay of England’s white-ball teams for more than a decade. Could they leave him off the field entirely in the World Cup semi-final?

This could be at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where Buttler has notched 94 not 89 and 116 in the Indian Premier League.

Ben Duckett is the stand-in batsman in the England squad, and is another man struggling to find his form.

Duckett is averaging 18.88 from 12 matches this winter in all formats and was out for a first-ball duck in his last innings at the start of the month.

Leg-spin all-rounder Rehan Ahmed will be an alternative to left field. That would be a broad call.

Perhaps Friday’s game against New Zealand, which is a stretch for England given they have already qualified, is the perfect pressure-free opportunity for Buttler to help make the hierarchy’s decision easy.

Former England player Alex Hartley said: “Who would write off Jos Buttler?”

“If you are, take control. He’s one of those players where it takes one shot through the covers and he’ll come back.

“It will be worrying if England don’t win games. I have no doubt that Jos Buttler will be fine when the pressure comes.”