He’s Jos the job yet again

JOS BUTTLER revelled in his new role as Mr Dependable to put England on the verge of an historic away whitewash.

Only twice on foreign soil have they won the lot in a series of three or more Tests – in 1895-96 in South Africa and 1962-63 in New Zealand.

Buttler (above) made a calm 64 as England – already 2-0 up in the series – recovered from 39-4 to post 230 and set Sri Lanka 327 to win.

The hosts, who crumbled in their first innings, ended the third day on 53-4.

Buttler made his name as a one-day batsman.

Having been handed a Test recall many felt was undeserved, he has become England’s people carrier, taking the strain and carrying passengers when required.

It was no surprise to see him walk to the crease with England teetering and watch him save the day again.

“It has been a good year considering I didn’t have Test cricket on my radar at the start of it,” said the No.6. “I’ve felt in good touch all year.

“I’ve enjoyed playing Test match cricket again and I’ve been pleased with the way I’ve adapted. A lot of people in my career have said, ‘Why don’t you bat like you do in one-day cricket?’. I’ve never seen it like that.

“If it was possible more people would have done it. I look at the scoreboard and try from DEAN WILSON in Colombo to play accordingly and I trust my defence more than I did.”

He added 89 with Ben Stokes to steadily take control, even if his partner was more than a little fortunate to be given two extra lives.

Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan was the bowler both times as Stokes drove to cover and was caught at slip, only to be called back due to a no-ball.

Ben Foakes continued his outstanding debut series with 36 not out to make him England’s highest run scorer. Moeen Ali and Jack Leach then got three quick wickets and Stokes another. Overnight: England 336 (Bairstow

110, Stokes 57, Sandakan 5-95)

3-0. & Sri Lanka 240 (Karunaratne 83, de Silva 73, Rashid 5-49). ENGLAND 2nd Innings R Burns

K Jennings 7 J Bairstow 1 J Root 15 B Stokes 7 J Buttler 42 M Ali ..64 B Foakes 22 A Rashid 36 S Broad

J Leach 1

0 Extras 11 Total (69.5 overs) .................... Fall: 230 Bowling:

SRI LANKA 2nd Innings D Gunathilaka

D Karunaratne 6 D de 23 Silva 0 K Mendis

A Mathews 15 L Sandakan 5 1 Extras 3 Total 4 wkts (17 overs) ............. Fall: 53 Bowling: