JOS READY TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED
1st Test - Sri Lanka v England,
ENGLAND have been told speed is of the essence if they are to enjoy more success in Sri Lanka and make up for their makeshift preparation. Just one 50-over warm-up inter-squad match, due to a washout yesterday, is hardly the ideal way of getting ready for two Tests at Galle.
But as far as Jos Buttler is concerned, a fast start in the first Test on Thursday will make all the difference as England bid to repeat their series win of November 2018.
“I think it is going to be difficult but it doesn’t mean it’s not attainable,” said England’s vice-captain in the absence of
Ben Stokes.
“Some of the more experienced guys, who have played quite a lot of cricket, may be a bit more comfortable in the fact that preparation isn’t perfect.
“But we live in a world that’s very different at the minute. The team we’re playing against have just played a series in South Africa and are coming back into it as well.
“It’s going to be important that we are as mentally switched-on as we can be and in a two-match series it’s very important to be on it from ball one of the series.
“It is dangerous I think to go in with too many preconceived ideas, so we must react very quickly on that first day to how that pitch is playing.”
Buttler has a crucial role as both an in-form batsman and wicketkeeper standing up to the spinners. He knows all about Jack Leach from their days growing up at Somerset, and with Dom Bess improving with each game their relationship with their keeper is fundamental.
“It’s demanding but it is an exciting place to keep wicket as well,” Buttler added. “Up to the stumps, the ball is turning and you know you’re really in the game.
“It’s a bit like keeping in
England to Broad and Anderson when it is nipping around. The ball is going to come to you.
“It’s obviously demanding physically and that is part of the challenge to try to enjoy as well – to have the satisfaction at the end of the day that you have worked so hard and are tired but have done your job for the team.”