\n<\/p>\n
Buttler’s last major contribution for England was 83 from 30 balls against South Africa in September but, given his illustrious career, his place in England’s XI remains secure.<\/p>\n
He scored 97 not out for Durban Super Giants in the SA20 in January but made 12, 20, 15, 22, three and one in his other innings there.<\/p>\n
“I felt I was playing really well in the SA20 without getting scores,” Buttler said. “One thing I always pride myself on in T20 is if you get in, go and make a good contribution.”<\/p>\n
Buttler and England trained on Thursday for the first time since their win over Italy on Monday, after travelling to Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
Buttler had a lengthy regular net practice and then faced throw-downs from fielding coach Carl Hopkinson with a wet tennis ball on a soaked concrete strip – an apparent attempt to sharpen his reflexes.<\/p>\n
Team-mate Jacob Bethell dismissed any doubts about the opener’s form.<\/p>\n
“He’s fine,” Bethell said. “The options he has taken haven’t come off but no one in that side is worried about Jos in terms of performance. <\/p>\n
“He will come good when we need him in the big stages of this tournament.”<\/p>\n
Bethell trained with a bandage on a finger on his left hand. He suffered a cut during the defeat by West Indies and it has meant he has been unable to bowl.<\/p>\n
The injury will be assessed again before England play co-hosts Sri Lanka in their first match of the Super 8s phase on Sunday in Pallekele.<\/p>\n
They progressed through the group stage in unconvincing fashion with edgy wins over Italy, Scotland and Nepal, plus a defeat by West Indies, but before the World Cup they beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20 series, with all three matches played in Pallekele.<\/p>\n
“To beat a good Sri Lankan team at home in their conditions 3-0 was a massive confidence boost for us,” Bethell said.<\/p>\n
“You can feel it within the group the boys are confident coming back here. <\/p>\n
“We know the conditions, we know how a couple of the teams are going to play. We’re definitely, definitely very confident about this Super 8s.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n