WATCH: Jos Buttler calmly gives witty reply to journalist’s bizarre question of James Anderson’s and retired Stuart Broad’s absence from ODI World Cup squad

Buttler was asked about how England's bowling unit would be affected by the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

WATCH: Jos Buttler calmly gives witty reply to journalist’s bizarre question of James Anderson’s and retired Stuart Broad’s absence from ODI World Cup squad

James Anderson, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad (Images via ESPNcricinfo)

England started their ODI World Cup campaign against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 5). Ahead of their opener, English skipper Jos Buttler was asked a bizarre question by a journalist during the pre-match press conference.

Buttler was asked about how England’s bowling unit would be affected by the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The 33-year-old could have given a befitting response to such a question given that Anderson and Broad have not appeared in ODIs for a long time; however, he calmly gave a witty response.

YouTube video

“I think Jimmy is still available for selection. He has not played since 2015 and I don’t think Stuart has either even though he has retired. Those two guys unfortunately won’t be a part of this tournament. But yes we do have a really good side of fast bowlers, spinners – a nicely balanced team,” Buttler said.

Watch the video here:

Anderson last played an ODI in 2015, while Broad appeared in his last ODI in 2016. Both shifted their attention to Test cricket and though Anderson is still playing red-ball cricket, Broad announced his retirement in July this year.

Related: WATCH: Jos Buttler asks Babar Azam to translate Rohit Sharma’s Hindi joke about England’s controversial win at 2019 World Cup

Jos Buttler is hopeful that his side will play attacking cricket

Jos Buttler was part of the 2019 ODI World Cup when the side defeated New Zealand to lift the trophy for the first time in their history. He even played a match-winning knock in the final.

WATCH: Jos Buttler calmly gives witty reply to journalist's bizarre question of James Anderson's and retired Stuart Broad's absence from ODI World Cup squad
Jos Buttler (Image via Hindustan Times)

England entered the tournament as a heavy favorite to defend their title. Buttler feels playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be advantageous for the players of different teams. He believes his team will be adapting to different wickets but will continue to play attacking cricket irrespective of the surface.

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