JOS APOLOGISES TO PHILANDER
Buttler learning from Stokes not to look at personal goals, just results
JOS BUTTLER wants to follow Ben Stokes’ example by putting England before personal performances.
Buttler’s return of just one century from 70 Test innings is a source of frustration.
But his 52 runs and contributions as wicket-keeper helped England to victory in the second Test in Cape Town and means they have hope of a rare overseas series win.
That would be only the second time in Buttler’s 39-Test career that he has tasted such success, having won in Sri Lanka in 2018 while playing as a batsman.
However he is happy if his disappointing batting statistics don’t improve so long as the results do.
“I don’t think it’s my style to think about personal goals,” said Buttler.
“I think if I’m playing for the team and doing a good job for the team that kind of stuff will look after itself.
“We have the best team-man in world cricket probably, in Ben Stokes.
“I don’t think he looks too much at his numbers, he just wants to perform for the team.
“He’s a great role model for the rest of us. That’s how we will get the best out of ourselves as individuals – if we put the team first.”
With England on the cusp of their 500th Test away from home in Port Elizabeth, the challenge of winning abroad has never been greater.
Apart from the win over a weak Sri Lanka side, their record over the last decade also shows victories away to Australia, South Africa and India on the ledger, the three toughest places for an
England touring side to venture. In the 16 overseas series they have played in the last 10 years, they have four wins and eight defeats, – and just 15 Test match wins out of 50. With 34 more defeats than wins away from home, the task facing England over the next two weeks is a stiff one, but one that Buttler is relishing.
“That’s the beauty of international cricket,” added Buttler (below with Stokes). “Travel the world and try to take people on in their own conditions and win. I think it is a challenge for lots of teams all around the world.
“South Africa did it well for a patch, they had a fantastic team who won away from home a lot.
“People look at that side and say it is a true mark of success, to travel and win games. So for us to win in Newlands and reflect on a great game is brilliant.
“But we want to come here and win the series. It’s set up great and we go into this game wanting to make it 2-1 to us.” If England are to triumph in the final two games, they could do with their wicket-keeper batsman playing the sort of starring role that Quinton de Kock did in the first Test in Centurion. His numbers might not tell the whole story, but a sparkling fifty could make a huge impact at the right time.
“It’s about adapt,” he said.
“I look at batting at No.7 and I do think I can get more out of myself by trying to be positive and counter-attack.
“It’s certainly something I will look to try to continue if the situations allow, to try to throw a few punches back, to try to make the most of my talent and the skills I’ve got.”
FROM BACK PAGE got in the way of a throw and the ball hit Buttler on the helmet.
He was caught on the stump microphone calling Philander a “f***ing k***head”, which resulted in a £2,000 fine and a demerit point from the match referee. Buttler trying to said: “I fully understand that as role models we have a duty to behave in a certain way.
“I’d like to apologise. I played with Vern at Somerset. I think it was one of those moments.
“The ball hit me in the head and I lost my head for 20 seconds. If I see him I’ll say I’m sorry.”