Jos Buttler admits stakes high for England and his captaincy against Afghanistan

Captain hopes to banish negative thoughts from side
England look to get back on track after opening defeat

Jos Buttler goes into the crunch match against Afghanistan in Lahore on Wednesday knowing a win is not simply a non-negotiable as regards England’s Champions Trophy prospects but potentially his future as the side’s white-ball captain.

The washout between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday has at least clarified England’s situation. Barring further rain affecting Group B, two wins would rule out any net run-rate calculations and guarantee a semi-final berth. By the same token, it also means they are just one defeat from flying home at the earliest opportunity.

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