Sri Lanka vs England 2018: You Have a Target on Your Back Being No. 1 - Jos Buttler

England is currently at the top of the chart, as they hold the number one position as an ODI team and Jos Buttler feels they have a massive target on their back to secure the spot ahead of the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which begins on Wednesday.

Jos Buttler said it is always a mental pressure to be at the top. It is somewhat more challenging to hold the spot on a continuous basis. He further added it would be more challenging to secure the place before the next year’s 2019 World Cup at home.

“There’s always pressure being No. 1. Once you get there, I think that’s when the hard work really starts. You’ve got a bit of a target on your back. It’s down to you to keep improving and try to stay there. That’s the challenge, and it has its own pressures. I think in the dressing room we have a good understanding of what that is and who we are as a side, and know that we need to keep improving and pushing the boundaries, and putting no limitations on what we’re capable of. That should stand us in good stead. A lot of the guys enjoy the pressure in the dressing room.” Jos Buttler added.

However, Buttler feels playing in IPL would help a few England players get used to the conditions in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper-batsman feels the touring team needs to put their right foot forward if they seek to bag the ODI series. Also, winning here would boost England’s confidence for the mega event in 2019.

“A lot of the squad have been a part of the IPL and experienced that,” Jos Buttler said. “Not just for the conditions, but touring this part of the world and the chaos that comes with the IPL – stuff like weather and not allowing it to impact your performance and preparation. Guys have travelled the world a bit as well. Hopefully, you’ll see some return on investment on guys have been part of that competition.” he concluded.

Meanwhile, England will play five ODIs, a single T20 match and three Test against the Sri Lankan side. Eoin Morgan will take charge for the ODI team while Joe Root will take charge for the Test team.