Buttler glad he can serve England
Leeds, June 4: Jos Buttler believes he belongs in Test cricket after justifying the faith of new national selector Ed Smith during England’s drawn series with Pakistan.
Buttler’s blistering 80 not out was central to E n g l a n d ’ s innings and
55- run win over Pakistan inside three days at Headingley on Sunday that saw them end a two- match series all square at 1- 1.
Smith raised eyebrows by recalling talented ball- striker Buttler, who prior to the Pakistan series had last played Test cricket some 18 months ago, purely on the basis of his form in the Twenty20 IPL. The 27- year- old Buttler hit five successive fifties for the Rajasthan Royals, culminating with two unbeaten 90s. There were doubts though as to whether the whiteball form of Buttler, who has made 170 appearances in international limited overs cricket, would carry over into the Test- match arena.
“There were lots of unknowns coming into this series so it’s especially pleasing to have put in some decent performances and especially here to be part of a winning side,” Buttler said.
Buttler’s 20- match Test career has often been overshadowed by the question of whether he should keep wicket — Jonny Bairstow is now England’s red- ball gloveman — as he does in one- day cricket.
But asked if he had proven to himself he could succeed as a Test batsman, Buttler replied: “I think so.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve had some great experiences all round the world in different competitions.”