Buttler grateful for break from the game

Jos Buttler feels reinvigorated by the time off he had following a whirlwind summer, as he returned to action with a century in England’s final warmup before the Test series against New Zealand.

Buttler was an ever-present in the triumphant World Cup campaign and drawn Ashes series, but the nerve-shredding ending in the former seemed to have a direct impact on his form in the latter.

Just 55 runs in six innings over the first three Tests against Australia put Buttler’s place under the microscope but he finished the series strongly with knocks of 70 and 47, enough for the selectors to retain him.

The 29-year-old was one of several players

“It was a tough summer, physically and emotionally”

rested from the recent Twenty20 series victory against the Black Caps and he believes he is reaping the benefits after a sensational 110 in the draw against New Zealand A in Whangarei.

“It was a tough summer, physically and emotionally, great fun and a huge challenge and one you look back on with real fondness,” Buttler said.

“But it certainly took a lot out of most of us, so the four to five weeks we’ve had off have been invaluable.

“It’s been really good to have some time away from the game, and sort of get refreshed and allow yourself time to think, and have a bit of reflection on where you’re at, and some things I felt I needed to work on.

“It was nice to have some time to do that because you don’t always get time with the way the schedule is.”