JOS: NO IFS OR BUTTS
England need flyer
ENGLAND have been told speed is of the essence if they are to enjoy more success in Sri Lanka and make up for their makeshift preparation.
In these Covid times nothing is perfect and just one 50-over warm-up inter-squad match, due to a washout yesterday, is hardly the ideal way to get ready for Test cricket in alien conditions.
But as far as Jos Buttler is concerned, the challenge to repeat their win of just over two years ago, is as stiff as it ever was and a fast start on Thursday in the first of two Tests will make all the difference.
“It is going to be difficult but it doesn’t mean it’s not attainable,” said the vice-captain in the absence of Ben Stokes.
“For some of the more experienced guys who’ve played quite a lot of cricket, they may be a bit more comfortable in the fact that preparation isn’t perfect.
“But the world is very different at the minute. The team we are playing against have just had a series in South Africa.
“It is going to be important we are as mentally switched on as we can be and in a two-match series it is very important to be on it from ball one of the series.
“It is dangerous, I think, to go in with too many preconceived ideas so we must react very quickly on that first day to how that pitch is playing.”
Buttler has got a crucial role to play as both an in-form batsman as well as wicket-keeper, in conditions where he is going to have plenty of work to do standing up to the spinners. He knows all about Jack Leach from their days growing up as Somerset cricketers.
And with Dom Bess improving with each game, their relationship with their keeper is fundamental.
“It’s demanding but it is also an exciting place to keep wicket as well,” said Buttler.
“Up to the stumps, the ball is turning, you know you’re really in the game. It is a bit like keeping in England to Broad and Anderson when it is nipping around.
“It is demanding physically and that is part of the challenge to try to enjoy as well.
“To have the satisfaction at the end of the day that you have worked so hard and you are tired but you’ve done your job for the team.”
As a man who donated 40 ventilators to the NHS through the auction of his World Cup winners’ shirt, Buttler is also well aware of doing his job for more than just the team.
He knows the world beyond England’s bubble is struggling and the fact he and the squad are providing some entertainment is a good thing.
“I know it’s been such a tough time for so many people and to be able to watch live sport has been a real saviour for many,” he added.
“Sport can be a great distraction and enjoyment at the moment. We are all quite aware of that and of how lucky we are to be able to play.”