Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BOSS JOS TO THE RESCUE BUTTLER PUTS ENGLAND IN COMMAND
BATTING hero Jos Buttler has backed England’s spin twins to bowl them to victory today in the Fourth Test against India.
Buttler top scored with 69 as England finished day three with a lead of 233 runs, and he believes Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid can complete a victory charge that would mean triumph in the series as well.
“We can definitely bowl India out for under 250,” said Buttler.
“There is wear and tear on the wicket and rough outside the off stump. That is encouraging for Moeen and Adil.
“There is some low bounce as well. We are confident.”
England ended the third day on 260-8 at the Ageas Bowl, where one talking point was the radical decision to move Moeen up from No.7 to No.3 in the batting order.
He made only nine runs, but the switch was stoutly defended by Buttler, who said: “It was a purely tactical decision. Moeen has been in fantastic form and bats at No.3 for Worcestershire and it felt the right decision.
“People can debate where his best position is, but I don’t think it affects him too much. At the moment we are trying to find the best combinations but in the long-term stability is important. It’s a key pillar in a lot of successful teams. It is like finding the golden egg.”
India star Cheteshwar Pujara is confident his team can win the match, and said: “The pitch has slowed down a bit. It is slightly easier to bat on now than earlier in the game.
“We know what we need to do. Moeen Ali is a good bowler but we will have a better game plan against him in the second innings.”
The crowd revelled in the brilliance of Buttler yesterday as so many of his team-mates once again flattered to deceive.
Alastair Cook was out for just 12, caught in the slips by KL Rahul. Moeen edged Ishant Sharma to second slip for a low catch by Rahul. Keaton Jennings added 36 before a low skidder from Mohammad Shami trapped him lbw, while Joe Root was run out on 48 by a direct hit throw from Shami.
Buttler joined the fray, adding a half-century partnership with Ben Stokes, who was eventually outwitted by Ravi Ashwin after a knock of 30.
Buttler was trapped lbw by Sharma for his 69, but Sam Curran was still there on 37 not out at close of play.
There’s a lot of rough, and that’s good for Moeen and Rashid