‘Time now right’ for Buttler’s Test recall
ENGLAND’S new national selector Ed Smith believes it is ‘the perfect moment’ to reintroduce Jos Buttler to Test cricket.
The Lancashire star is a surprise inclusion in Smith’s first 12-man squad to face Pakistan in the first of a two-Test series at Lord’s next week at the expense of James Vince.
Buttler’s last Test was in December 2016 against India in Chennai, while he hasn’t played red ball cricket for Lancashire this season having been in India for the IPL.
“Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England’s white ball teams,” said Smith.
“The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven.
“Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team.”
Buttler, who has played 18 Tests, will be back as a specialist batsman - with Jonny Bairstow retaining the wicketkeeping gloves.
And he won’t be able to gain red ball experience before the first Test, with Lancashire now facing a spell of white ball cricket in the One-Day Cup.
Opener Mark Stoneman hangs on to his position and there is also a potential debut for Somerset offspinner Dom Bess, 20, whose opportunity comes after his Somerset team-mate Jack Leach broke his thumb in the nets on Monday.
James Anderson is also included in the squad, but there is no place for Lancashire captain Liam Livingstone, who was in the touring party for the Test series in New Zealand in February.
ENGLAND SQUAD: Joe Root (captain), Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Dom Bess, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes.