England’s new white-ball captain Jos Buttler downplays talk of Test role
England’s new white-ball captain Jos Buttler has played down the possibility of starting as an opener for the England Test side after being mentioned for the position by former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara.
This week, Sangakkara claimed that Buttler, who led all scorers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season with 863 runs, may be the ideal complement to the Test team’s newly rediscovered swashbuckling approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan endorsed Sangakkara’s idea. Saying he would love to see Buttler carry his IPL form over to the longer game.
“I thought someone had written the wrong story, to be honest,” Buttler, whose last Test appearance came during England’s disastrous Ashes defeat against Australia in January, told the BBC on Friday. “I don’t think there is much merit in that.
“No, it’s been fantastic to watch the Test team over the last few weeks. So I’ve thoroughly enjoyed tuning in as a fan.
“It’s been incredible to watch – you’re gripped to your seat, aren’t you? To see what they’re doing has been brilliant. Also I’ve loved watching them and I hope it continues. There’s no red ball in my bag at the minute.”
Beginning on Thursday, Buttler will in command of England’s limited-overs team. When they host India in three Twenty20 matches before hosting them in three one-day matches.