Buttler is key role model for Banton

I’ll probably be a bit sore. But, yeah, I really want to work on it.”

Banton counts World Cupwinning Buttler, below, among his role models and the similarities between the pair are obvious, having come through the same set-up at Somerset while they are both renowned for their clean and powerful striking.

Asked if he is looking to follow Buttler’s pathway, Banton said: “It has to be. He’s probably the best in the world. I’m quite good mates with Jos and it’s weird because I looked up to him, now I get to play with him and it’s awesome. Definitely, I want to follow in his footsteps.”

Regarded as one of England’s biggest prospects, Banton has also earned comparisons with Kevin Pietersen, but the former England man was unimpressed after watching the youngster at a Hundred match last August.

Working as a Sky Sports pundit, Pietersen opined Banton was “wasting” his talent, adding: “He needs to rework the way he goes about his batting. There is a big psychological change that needs to happen there.”

Banton was stung by the remarks, but a phone call with Pietersen the following day smoothed matters over.

The 23-year-old said: “It was hard to hear to be honest, I’m not going to lie. I remember I was sat there after The Hundred game and hearing him talk. I called him the next day and he kind of explained a bit more about what he meant. There’s good and bad things being said about every player all the time, more often than not it’s bad. It’s kind of the sport we’re in, so you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Banton has previously spoken about the difficulties of spending time in Covid bubbles, whether with England or in franchise teams, so will skip the Pakistan Super League and Indian Premier League ahead of the county season.

England’s current tour of the Caribbean permits players to eat outside at some restaurants and play golf, a far cry from the strict and claustrophobic restrictions Banton has had to adjust to in the last two years. He added: “After a time, it just takes its toll. I want to be able to live my life and not just be stuck in a hotel. I want to see my friends and be at home, see my family, as well as play cricket.”