In-form Jos Buttler in England Test squad vs Pakistan
It has been a deserved call-up for Jos Buttler in the 12-man England squad for the first Test against Pakistan. The talented wicket-keeper batsman brought so much positivity and flair with his game in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. And new selector Ed Smith got him to the side feeling that he could add that extra bit in the English batting line-up.
Buttler worth the risk for England?
The question lies as whether Buttler will have enough time to shift gears from white ball to the red cherry. The Test starts on May 24. He is likely to come in the middle order with Jonny Bairstow batting higher up the order. The selectors have taken a risk but the feeling is it could be good one, with Buttler giving England depth.
Ed Smith positive on Buttler
Selector Smith feels this is the right time for England to have Buttler in the Test format. He said that Jos is playing with great confidence at the moment and brings quality in the side. Buttler had a dream IPL where he smashed 548 runs in 13 matches. Five successive fifties followed by a whirlwind 38, saw him sign off in style.
Can Buttler stake a claim?
Buttler has played 18 Test matches and has bagged 784 runs. His best score is 85 at a career average of 31.36. His last Test was against India in December 2016 as he returns to the arena after a gap of 1.5 years. One feels he has the technique and temperament to make it count in Test cricket.
England squad for Pakistan Test at Lord's
Mark Stoneman, Alastair Cook, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Dom Bess, and Mark Wood.
