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As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the commencement of the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 5, England skipper Jos Buttler has picked his first 5 players for his dream ODI XI ahead of the marquee event. It is worth mentioning that Buttler-led England are slated to square off against New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Jos Buttler’s meteoric rise in international cricket
Buttler has emerged as one of the most valuable asset for England in white-ball cricket over the years. He was an integral part of England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and then led the team to their maiden T20 World Cup title in 2022. With 7730 runs to his name in limited-overs cricket, Buttler’s prowess with the bat is also well-documented, and it’s no surprise that he has been entrusted with the leadership role by the England management for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.
Given his wealth of experience and cricketing acumen, Buttler recently shared the first five players he would pick for his dream ODI XI during an interaction with the ICC.
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Jos Buttler’s first five picks for his dream ODI XI
1) Rohit Sharma
India’s swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma is Buttler’s first choice. With three double centuries to his name in the ODI format and a remarkable ability to control and accelerate innings, Rohit is a perfect fit for any dream team. His elegant strokeplay and consistency make him an ideal choice.
2) Quinton de Kock
Buttler’s second selection is the South African opener, Quinton de Kock. The Proteas batter’s explosive batting style and 6176 runs in the ODI format make him an excellent complement to Rohit. He has a knack for handling pressure and swiftly adapting to the game’s demands, making him an invaluable asset at the top of the order.
3) Glenn Maxwell
Australia’s star all-rounder, Glenn Maxwell, secures the third spot in Buttler’s dream ODI XI. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Maxwell brings versatility to the team. His power-hitting prowess can change the course of a game in a matter of overs, making him a game-changer in the middle order.
4) Anrich Nortje
Among the pace options, Buttler went with Proteas pace sensation Anrich Nortje. The South African seamer’s express pace consistently breaches the 145+ km/h mark, putting even the best batters under immense pressure. His ability to extract bounce and generate genuine pace has troubled many top-order batters.
5) Adil Rashid
Buttler’s final pick was his teammate Adil Rashid. A vital part of the England cricket team, Rashid’s spin wizardry has bamboozled even the most accomplished batters. His ability to turn the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs makes him an indispensable asset in any ODI XI.
