England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler believes cricket may still be lagging behind other major sports when it comes to innovation and the level of involvement coaches have in on-field decision-making. His comments come after England’s T20 World Cup victory over Nepal, during which head coach Brendon McCullum was seen actively communicating with players using a walkie-talkie from the dressing room.
During that match, messages were relayed from England’s dugout to the boundary edge, before being passed on to captain Harry Brook and players out in the middle. The visible line of communication highlighted a more direct coaching presence than traditionally seen in cricket.
Buttler, who captained England’s white-ball teams until last year, said the approach felt progressive and long overdue in the modern game.
“I’ve played in the IPL with Gujarat, where the coach Ashish Nehra was very active right on the boundary rope,” Buttler explained. “Cricket feels like the one sport where we’ve been a bit slow in embracing that sort of involvement.”
He added that other sports already allow coaches to have a stronger influence during matches. “If you look at rugby, for example, messages are constantly being run onto the field. I think that kind of thing will become more common in cricket over time.”
McCullum has been making use of walkie-talkies for several weeks, including during England’s successful white-ball tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year. The technology allows the coach to quickly pass observations and tactical suggestions to the support staff, who then deliver them to players on the field.
This is not the first time England have experimented with new communication methods. Under former World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, the team trialled a system of coded cards featuring numbers and letters. These messages were sent from analysts to players as a discreet way of sharing tactical information.
Buttler believes the latest approach is simply a clearer and more efficient evolution of that idea.
“The idea is that Brendon can send a few messages down to the guys on the bench,” Buttler said. “If there’s something he’s spotting from up high, it can be passed on to Harry and the bowlers pretty quickly. It’s just a more obvious and direct line of communication.”
Cricket is somewhat unique compared to other team sports, as the captain remains the primary decision-maker on the field, often without immediate input from the coaching staff. Coaches also face the challenge of being physically distant from the action, typically confined to dressing rooms or balconies far from the boundary.
There have been previous attempts to bridge that gap. During the 1999 World Cup, South Africa coach Bob Woolmer and captain Hansie Cronje wore earpieces to communicate during a match against India. Tournament organisers swiftly banned the practice, ruling it an unfair advantage.
While England have played down the significance of McCullum’s walkie-talkie usage, it does suggest a slightly more hands-on approach from a coach known for his calm and relaxed demeanor. Despite overseeing England’s Ashes defeat this winter, McCullum has consistently projected a laid-back presence on the sidelines, regardless of match situation.
Throughout his tenure, McCullum has encouraged players to back their instincts and play with freedom, rather than being weighed down by constant instructions.
“That relaxed energy is something he really believes in,” Buttler said. “He wants guys to feel less pressure in a game that already comes with a lot of pressure.”
However, Buttler was keen to stress that McCullum’s calm appearance should not be mistaken for a lack of intensity or awareness.
“Don’t confuse that calm image with someone who isn’t switched on,” he added. “He wouldn’t have been such a great player or captain without being fiercely competitive and having that constant will to win.”
England now turn their focus to their second T20 World Cup match against West Indies on Wednesday. The contest is expected to present a very different challenge compared to Nepal, with the Caribbean side renowned for their power-hitting and aggressive batting style.
England have made one change to their XI, with all-rounder Jamie Overton replacing left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood. The adjustment reflects the conditions and the nature of the opposition England expect to face.
West Indies come into the match with confidence after defeating Scotland in their opening game. While England were meeting Nepal for the first time in any format on Sunday, they are far more familiar with the Windies, having played four T20 series against them since the beginning of 2022.
England dominated the most recent encounters, winning 3-0 at home last year and securing a 3-1 series victory in the Caribbean the previous winter. Despite those results, West Indies’ explosive batting lineup ensures they remain a dangerous opponent on any surface.
Wednesday’s match will be played later in the evening on a fresh pitch, conditions that could significantly influence the contest. Dew is expected to play a major role, potentially making it easier for teams batting second and harder for bowlers to grip the ball.
That factor could make the toss particularly important, with chasing likely to offer a noticeable advantage under lights.
England’s selected XI for the match against West Indies includes a mix of experience, power, and variety: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, captain Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid.
As cricket continues to evolve in the fast-paced world of T20 competition, England’s willingness to embrace clearer communication and subtle innovation may prove to be another step forward in staying competitive at the highest level.
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