upturn

The 43-year-old New Zealander has been head coach of the Test team since the summer of 2022 and has overseen an upturn in the side’s fortunes, leading them to 20 wins in 32 matches.

Yes, the sample size is too small to draw definitive conclusions but when Buttler has captained from the outfield there has been no obvious upturn in results - three wins and four defeats his return from seven matches for England and Manchester Originals.

There is also, of course, no guarantee that fewer responsibilities means an upturn in results.

Tua Tagovailoa's return from concussion sparked a big upturn in the Miami Dolphins' lifeless offence, but not enough as Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland booted a 34-yard field goal to seal a 28-27 win for Arizona.

Williams' upturn in form has led to a seventh place for Albon in Azerbaijan and a ninth in Italy, and an eighth in Baku for Colapinto, who replaced Logan Sergeant when the American was sacked after the Dutch race for lack of pace and too many accidents.