Jos Buttler: I would understand if Ashley Giles banned football warm-ups

The customary kickabout ahead of the start of play has become commonplace in recent years but came under the microscope in the winter when Jonny Bairstow sustained an ankle injury during the tour of Sri Lanka

Jos Buttler says England's cricketers would not be too bothered if new managing director of Ashley Giles outlawed football warm-ups before matches.

The customary kickabout ahead of the start of play has become commonplace in recent years but came under the microscope in the winter when Jonny Bairstow sustained an ankle injury during the tour of Sri Lanka.

Giles, who replaced Andrew Strauss at Lord's at the start of the year, is not a fan of the tradition and, although he is keen not to rock the boat in the build-up to a hectic summer which includes the World Cup and the Ashes, he could take steps to get rid of it in the months beyond.

Buttler, among the best footballers in the England squad, believes the players would not object too loudly should Giles take that approach.

"It’s been a fun part of our warm-ups for a while and I really love football, but I understand his point of view," he said.

^{Ashley Giles, the new managing director of England men's cricket}

"If that’s his final decision then that’s it. I don’t think the players would be too fussed."

England go into 2019 in fine form in both Test and ODI cricket, and will be favourites to complete a World Cup-Ashes double.

The high-profile summer comes with added pressure but Buttler is convinced the squad have the mental strength to take that in their stride.

"It’s a huge year but for us, it’s a case of focusing on the here and now because we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. We’re aware of how quickly things can change in cricket and you can come unstuck," he said.

"We’re all in a very fortunate position to potentially play a part in a huge period of time for England cricket.

"They’re all very romantic ideas but the end product comes from hard work in the years before that and from doing some good stuff now. It is a massive year and we have to be fresh and excited going into the big events."

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