Shane Warne opines on Jos Buttler’s Test future: The former Australian spinner has spoken in support of the English wicket-keeper batsman.
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Former Australian spinner Shane Warne believes that England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler’s positive approach helped his non-striker Chris Woakes to a large extent as the duo played a vital role in England beating Pakistan by 3 wickets yesterday.
Chasing a 277-run target on a Day 4 pitch in Manchester, Buttler and Woakes found themselves amidst a daunting challenge for England had lost half their side for 117.
Warne, who is part of broadcaster Sky Sports’ commentary panel for this series, admitted being happy for Buttler who was more or less playing for his Test career after a lean patch with bat and some below par work behind the stumps.
“What really impressed me with [Jos] Buttler was the way he went about it, he trusted himself, said ‘I’m the man, I’m going to get this done’. He just played beautifully; and that helped [Chris] Woakes at the other end, who had been struggling for form, but came in and played extremely well.
“I’m very happy for Woakes and, in particular, Buttler. It was a fantastic chase, against a quality attack, on a good pitch. It’s a special win and one the players will be very proud of. The best thing I saw from England is it was a real ‘character’ win,” Warne was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
Shane Warne opines on Jos Buttler’s Test future
In 10 Tests before the first Test against Pakistan, Buttler had scored 501 runs at an average of 27.83. Only two half-centuries in 18 innings at the highest level and Ben Foakes waiting in the ranks with a Test average of 41.50 had brought the sword on Buttler’s head – something which he admitted to after the match.
Laying emphasis on 29-year old Buttler being a “whole package” even in this format, Warne opined that the player should continue to be a part of England’s Test side for all that he offers across divisions.
“He should always be in the side. Jos is a very good and reliable keeper but, occasionally, you’re going to have a few bad days – it wasn’t easy out there, either. But Jos should always be in your side because of what he’s capable of, with the bat especially.
“And then his keeping, he’s a good leader among the team as well – there’s a calmness about him – he’s the whole package. He’s always one of the first pencilled in for me,” Warne added.
