England versus Pakistan – Match canceled
The first T20I between England and Pakistan was called off before the scheduled start time as heavy rain drenched Leeds throughout the day. Puddles had begun to form on the ground long before the referee first came out to inspect the situation, and it didn’t take long for the referee to decide there was no point in delaying the inevitable.
“We’ve had some really good preparation over the last few days so we’re all really excited about this series,” he said. “Just putting on the England shirt and playing cricket for England is a fantastic thing in itself so I’m really disappointed I can’t play today but I’m still looking forward to the three games.”
Looking ahead to next month’s World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States, Buttler acknowledged it was a “unique preparation” that required some flexibility from players, particularly those like himself who might have featured in the IPL playoffs, where his team Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the eliminator on Wednesday afternoon.
“That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to get all the players together for this series,” he said. “My personal opinion is that international cricket should never coincide with the IPL, but my priority now is to be England captain and prepare as best as I can for the world tournament. That’s what I always said to Keithy.” [Director of cricket, Rob Key] I would definitely come back as England captain. He made the decisions about the remaining players. ”
However, the Yorkshire weather dashed Pakistan’s hopes of seeing their players one last time before confirming the touring squad for North America.
Both teams will play three more games before departing for the World Cup, at Edgbaston on Saturday, Cardiff on Tuesday and The Oval a week later on Thursday.
