Alastair Cook Suggests England To Persist With Jos Buttler

Surprisingly, the flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler hit poor form with the bat for England in the longer version of the game. He admitted his hapless run of form with the bat in South Africa, giving a tough time for selectors ahead of away tour. Meanwhile, the former skipper Alastair Cook advises England to continue with Jos Buttler.

Amid an otherwise upbeat run of performances from England’s new-look Test team, Jos Buttler’s form was a notable exception. Buttler has endured a torrid time in Test cricket for England recently, managing a top score of just 43 in five matches against New Zealand and South Africa.

The 29-year-old was still named in the England squad for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Also, Ben Foakes comes into the squad to provide competition for the gloves during the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in March. But Cook cites leadership, continuity and Buttler’s world-class talent as reasons to stick with him.

Jos Buttler did struggle: Alastair Cook

Former England skipper Alastair Cook believes England should continue to back Jos Buttler in the longest version of the game, terming Buttler as “world-class”.

”Mike Atherton summed it up best when he said: “there is always going to be someone out of form”. That’s just the nature of the beast, you won’t have 11 players in the best form of their lives.”

“Jos did struggle, by his own admission, with the bat in that South Africa series. He’s going to a place now where he has scored runs before and, again, sometimes you do have to look at the long-term,” Cook said.

You need that continuity with the players: Alastair Cook

Jos Buttler. Photo Credit: Reuters.While admitting that Buttler has not been at his best of late, England’s record run-scorer Cook thinks it is quite normal to be out of form sometimes, but the leadership qualities that Buttler possesses should not be forgotten.

The Taunton-born batsman is also committed to Test cricket.

”Jos plays such a big part in the leadership of English cricket, as part of the Test team leadership group as well as in the one-dayers. You need that continuity with the players and I would rather back someone like him for a couple more games to find his form. He is a genuinely world-class player.”

“Runs are his currency as a keeper-batter and he knows that. People like Jonny Bairstow – a world-class player – not going on the tour. He wants to come back. Ben Foakes as well – there is good competition,” he added.

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