I’ll be fearless, vows Buttler

JoS BUTTLEr has promised he will adopt a ‘fearless approach’ during his maiden Ashes skirmish in Australia. Buttler, 31, struggled with the bat in the home series against India last summer, contributing just 72 runs in five innings. But since the start of 2020 he boasts a Test average of 34.27 — higher than his career mark — in a sign he can be effective across all formats. He has an average of 58.66 in Twenty20 internationals in the same period. ‘I feel like I have nothing to lose, to be honest,’ said the Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman (above), who will be recalled at the Gabba next week, having missed England’s most recent Test in September due to paternity leave. ‘It’s been disjointed, that (period) just gone. Some good form and some bad form and in the year before as well. It’s the first time I’m experiencing an away Ashes series, so I’m fully determined to enjoy all the challenges that throws up. ‘I’m excited to experience it, the good, the bad and I’m sure the highs and lows. ‘As a player, at the minute I’m trying to bring a fearless approach and to truly try to embrace the opportunity. I know when I get to somewhere near my best that’s going to be pretty good.’