TEST IS BEST

Buttler looks to revive fortunes in Test cricket

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Jos Buttler averaged a meager 23.88 in 12 Tests last year © Cricbuzz

Jos Buttler, England wicketkeeper-batsman, has set his priorities straight and despite going through a lean phase with the bat in Tests, thinks that the conventional format is the 'pinnacle' of cricket.

"There's an extra emphasis on one-day cricket now but I still feel Test cricket is the pinnacle and I don't want to throw the towel in on red-ball cricket yet," Buttler said on Friday (January 29), ahead of the One-Day International series against South Africa.

Buttler, who lost his Test spot to Jonny Bairstow after prolonged lean patch, scored a 46-ball century against Pakistan in the fifth ODI in Dubai to exhibit his potential as a limited-overs batsman.

"I've got the fastest one-day hundred but there are a few guys in the changing room who can definitely beat that, which is exciting. Added expectation is something I have to deal with and I enjoy that responsibility and look to thrive on it."

Despite that, Buttler feels the joy of winning a Test match remains unmatched.

"The emotions and feelings of winning a Test are hard to match and I don' t think we'll experience them in one-day cricket unless we win a World Cup. Having had a taste of Test cricket I still feel it's the best form of the game, especially in England because of the support we receive. It's extra special."

The form that the Christchurch-born Ben Stokes has shown in Tests with his aggressive play, has proved to be a good inspiration for Buttler, who wishes to succeed with his natural game intact.

"The way Ben has played has been an eye opener for everyone," said Buttler. "We all knew he was capable of that but to have the series he had was fantastic. Ben is one of my peers, so that gives me added motivation and belief that I can do it. All the talk with Trevor Bayliss is that it's the way he wants to play in all forms."

"If I look back to the summer I think I went away from my strengths and maybe didn't get the balance right between batting and keeping. Those are the things I've learnt and I feel a lot wiser about how to go about things if I did get another chance," Buttler concluded.

© Cricbuzz

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