England is no stranger to failures, but there is something different this time. They have the memories of lifting the trophy in the Caribbean a couple years ago. So, what if the captain has changed? So, what if Man of the Tournament Kevin Pietersen is nowhere to be seen, except for the studio of ESPN? So, what if Yardy has succumbed to depression? They still got Stuart Broad, this time as captain. Swann, Morgan & Kieswetter too. Finn, if not Sidebottom.

Johny Bairstow looks like a mythical mystical character, like he could beat anyone for the role of prince charming in the TV series Once Upon a Time. Wait, is there something wrong in talking about the looks of a cricketer? Not in the first year, but definitely in a World Cup. When both strike together, you know there is something wrong.

Standing tall: Captain Broad never hides his face.

It's obvious there are too many new players in the English side. Bairstow is merely 23, 4 Tests, 7 ODIs and 13 Twenty20s old. Jos Buttler is 22, has played only one ODI and 14 Twenty20s. Alex Hales is 23, 10 Twenty20s old. And although Kieswetter and Wright have played far more matches than these, they are not reliable or regular. Am not saying fresh energy is bad, it's just that it needs to be balanced out with consistency. England have dug themselves a hole by not taking any experienced batsman like Trott, Bell, KP or Cook with them. But, all is not lost. Winning both of their warm-ups didn't help, but losing to India and West Indies should be enough to provide a wake-up call. A change in tactics and mindset can still take them to the semi-finals. Lumb, in place of Kieswetter and Morgan at No.3 can definitely give the batting line-up a boost. Throw the gloves to Bairstow, Butler or Hales. They are all wicketkeepers for their counties, the latter only an occasional one though.

Jade Dernbach is proving to be too expensive. And England have kept Briggs out in favour of Samit Patel. It would be better to give all 3 spinners a shot. England is a team who is known for it's lack of spinners. But, times have changed. Like other teams are doing, England could make spin a weapon in Asia.

England are next up against New Zealand on September 29 at 10:00 GMT (15:30 local). This game will be played at Pallekele and not Colombo (where England were bowled out for 80 by India) so they should be able to walk past this. A tougher challenge will be posed by home team Sri Lanka, though still at Pallekele. History tells us home teams have not gone beyond quarters in the Twenty20 World Cup, but Sri Lanka is a stronger contender at home. England's run in this Cup was always going to be unpredictable with promising but inexperienced players, so I'll be disappointed if they don't throw any more surprises our way.

All eyes will be on Jos Butler during England's World Twenty 20 campaign. His name might have been anonymous a week ago, but today he is regarded as the man to watch out for. In a perfect end to English summer, Jos Butler smashed 32 off Wayne Parnell to make people gleam in amusement at England's latest finding. His fireworks couldn't come at a better time. England left for Sri Lanka with security, excitement and a belief in themselves. They are eager to see more of Butler and feel he could be the new star in rising.

But, this is English cricket we are talking about and the drama doesn't end on the field. The ECB and Kevin Pietersen have kept the media pretty busy over the last few months. In latest news, KP rejected a four-month contract from the ECB hours before he was omitted from the squad of India tour. I reckon, the reason Pietersen and ECB have not been able to resolve their conflicts is Pietersen's changing mind. He has been unsure over whether he wants to play for England or do something which is more convenient for him. All players who aspire to play for England want to stay in the team for as long as they perform. Pietersen however, is a little less patriotic and cares more about his personal needs. The IPL, the Big Bash, even the studio of ESPN are more convenient to be in than England cricket team. It's obvious how. Being a part of Twenty20 leagues or a commentary team doesn't require you to deal with an egotistic, cash hungry board. Rather, you can better take care of your cash needs. They don't make you feel like an employee but rather like a freelancer. They are not played every month so that also gives you time to be with your family. I'm with KP on this, who would chose to deal with ECB and also ignore all these benefits?

It seemed likely that KP won't be a part of the England team. Remember that his retirement from the shorter forms of the game started it all. For whatever reason, his desire to play for England had decreased back then. And his interest in touring Sri Lanka as a presenter rather than a player further confirmed his lack of desire. An apology, a video expressing his 100% commitment to England, appealing for an inquiry against teammates, turning down a contract left heads spinning. This tells us KP isn't too easy to deal with either.

The funny part now though, is whether we'll see Kevin Pietersen interviewing Stuart Broad at the end of a lost battle, asking, "Did you miss Kevin Pietersen in your team today?".

More in this blog:

• The end of an era?
• England flying high
• Wallpaper: Sexy England Cricketers!
• Year End Specials: Highest Wicket Takers in 2010
• England continues to Reign Down Under

Stuart Broad hailed Jos Buttler as the Somerset batsman rounded off England's preparations for their World Twenty20 title defence with a match-winning performance against South Africa.

Broad's side went into the final international of the summer at Edgbaston 1-0 down in a rain-affected three-match series. In a match shortened to 11 overs per side by bad weather, England posted 118-5, thanks in the main to Craig Kieswetter's half-century and Buttler's stunning unbeaten 32 from only 10 balls. England restricted the Proteas to 90-5 in reply, ensuring they drew the series and departed for Sri Lanka on the back of a morale-boosting victory.

Broad reserved special praise for Buttler, who finally announced himself on the international stage with a mixture of lusty blows and deft touches. "Jos changed the momentum of the game and that's what he's in the side for," said the England skipper. "You look for guys like that in Twenty20 cricket to change the game with bat and ball."

Buttler made his T20 international debut last August but had managed only 36 runs in six innings before his thrilling knock in Birmingham. The 22-year-old arrived at the crease with only 16 balls of the innings remaining but helped England add a further 54, with Wayne Parnell going for 32 in his final over.

Buttler was pleased to make his mark and help England register a much-needed win, though fans still doubt their chances in Sri Lanka. "I swung hard and it came off. International cricket hasn't gone as well as I would have hoped so far and now I'm just glad to contribute to a winning side," he said. "It's good preparation and I'm looking forward to Sri Lanka."

England will face Afghanistan and India in the group stage of the World T20. The tournament begins on September 18 and runs until October 7.

More in this blog:

• Does India hold an edge in the shorter format?
• No chink in England's armor despite changes
• England blistered by Pakistan 3-0; Kevin Pietersen...
• Chance to train with Michael Vaughan and England f...
• England lose edge Cook and Trott bestowed on Day 2...