As England marches into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, a fascinating sub-plot has emerged involving the team’s leadership and its most decorated veteran. While the ‘Three Lions” have looked unstoppable in their Super 8 campaign, their superstar is currently enduring a rare and painful slump in form. Despite a string of low scores that have ignited debates across the global media, captain Harry Brook has refused to entertain any talk of dropping the veteran.
In a move that defines his captaincy, Brook used the post-match platform following England’s thriller against New Zealand to issue a defiant statement of support. By looking past modern icons like Virat Kohli, Brook has placed Buttler on a pedestal above all others in the history of the shorter formats.
Not Virat Kohli: Harry Brook names the best white-ball player to ever play the game
In a bold assertion that has reverberated through the cricketing world, Brook has officially labeled Jos Buttler as the ‘best white-ball player to ever play the game.’ The endorsement comes at a time when Buttler’s statistics in the ongoing tournament are unusually grim; the veteran has managed just 62 runs in seven matches at a dismal average of 8.85 and a strike rate of 106. However, Brook dismissed the mounting criticism surrounding Buttler’s spot in the XI, urging fans and pundits to look at the larger picture of his illustrious 150-game international career rather than a temporary ‘rut.’
“He’s played 150 games for England and people need to take a little step back. He’s probably the best white-ball player to ever play the game. He’s in a rut but it’s exciting to know what he could produce in the next few games. We know his class, and a big performance is just around the corner.” Brook said.
T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final bound: England flourish despite a legend’s struggle
While Buttler searches for his rhythm, the rest of the England squad has stepped up to ensure their semi-final berth was secured with a dramatic four-wicket win over New Zealand on Friday. The chase of 160 looked in jeopardy when the Kiwis reduced England to 117/6 in the 17th over, but late-inning fireworks from Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed saw them cross the finish line with three balls to spare.
This victory has not only confirmed England’s dominance in Group 2 but has also left New Zealand’s fate hanging by a thread, depending entirely on the outcome of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash in Pallekele. With England already through, the pressure is now on Pakistan, who must defeat Sri Lanka by a massive margin of 64 runs or chase their target in 13.1 overs to leapfrog the Kiwis on Net Run Rate and snatch the final semi-final spot.
