'I'm not sure that's quite true' - Jos Buttler quashes Ravi Shastri's claim about England training

After England’s 3-0 series defeat to India, captain Jos Buttler refuted former India coach Ravi Shastri’s remarks regarding the team's training during the tour. Shastri, while commentating during the 3rd ODI, claimed that the visitors had just one net session across the entire tour, which included five T20Is and three ODIs. However, Buttler replied that the team had trained extensively throughout the trip.

England’s white-ball tour of India was a disappointing one, with the team suffering consecutive defeats. While their lack of preparation was questioned, Shastri's claims on their supposed minimal training added fuel to the fire. However, the England captain rejected the claims, explaining that while England did not have net sessions before the final two ODIs in Cuttack and Ahmedabad, they had engaged in ample training.

"I'm not sure that's quite true. I think we've had a reasonably long tour, a few long travel days... there have been a couple of times we've not trained but we've certainly done plenty of training throughout the tour. We obviously try to create a really good environment but don't mistake that for a lazy environment or a lack of effort. The guys are desperate to perform, do well and improve," Buttler said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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Despite Buttler’s revelation that his team prepared adequately, England's performances throughout the tour weren't pleasing. The recent ODI series defeat was their fourth consecutive series loss since their disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign. However, the English captain is optimistic about their chances at the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

"We want the results to build confidence and win games - that feels a lot better having won matches as opposed to losing. We're up against a good side in their own conditions, they're probably the benchmark in ODI cricket at the moment. We've not played near our potential, we've had some moments in games, never enough to force results or look like winning games of cricket in the last three matches. But I think the fact we're not anywhere near our potential yet or playing individually or collectively where we know we can be gives us something to look forward to, believe we can get there and be dangerous team in the Champions Trophy," he added.

He's bowled fantastically well all tour: Jos Buttler

One of the areas the Three Lions struggled was their vulnerability against spin bowling. Across the two white-ball formats, 42 of their 78 wickets fell to spin. However, Buttler backed his players. 

"No concerns. As I said, simply we have to be better. We have to be very confident in all the guys' games against spin. Guys have all the shots. Joe Root is probably one of the best players of spin in the world. Certainly a good guy to have in our team," he further added.

One of the few bright spots for the tourists was the performance of Adil Rashid. The experienced leg-spinner was the highest wicket-taker in the ODI series, picking seven wickets, including dismissing Virat Kohli twice. 

"He's bowled fantastically well all tour, he seems to keep getting better and better, so really pleased with how he's performing," Buttler concluded.