Jos says Test ties are still the tops

TEST cricket is still Jos Buttler’s holy grail.

Buttler, a sensation in this year’s Indian Premier League, may already be at the top of his sport as far as many global cricket followers are concerned.

However, as he contemplates “another debut” for England against Pakistan at Lord’s this week, and his chance to be the real Jos Buttler at last on his third attempt at a Test career, the man himself is in no doubt which format holds the key to greatness.

Asked if Test cricket remains the ‘ultimate’, he said: “Yes, it is – and I think it always will be for players of my generation.

“You get that feeling talking to everyone they still feel Test cricket is the best.”

Buttler references modern greats Virat Kohli, the India captain about to embark on a stint of county cricket to prepare for this summer’s Test series in England, and Kevin Pietersen.

He said: “Virat signing for Surrey to get used to playing in England, to play well in Tests, shows that, in the forefront of players’ minds, Tests are still the pinnacle.

“It was interesting when Kevin Pietersen retired. Sky’s Ian Ward and David Lloyd talked about his Test match knocks, his centuries.

“He had some great knocks. But for those guys, it was Test matches they were talking about, and I think people feel Test matches are the real true test of cricketers.”