“I Thought Someone Had Written The Wrong Story”- Jos Buttler Refutes Reports Of Him Playing Tests As An Opener

England’s new white-ball captain Jos Buttler has laughed off the reports that he could come into the Test side as an opener in order to carry forward his career in red-ball cricket which came to a halt after the Ashes 2021-22.

Buttler, who had a very good 3-4 years in whites for England, failed to come good against Australia in the Ashes and his keeping proved to be patchy as he dropped some important catches. This resulted in him being replaced in the England XI by Ben Foakes, especially as the new regime of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took over from Joe Root and Chris Silverwood.

Buttler is largely regarded as one of the best white-ball players on the planet, but the debate surrounding his Test future continues to divide opinion.

I Don’t Think There Is Much Merit In That (The Prospect Of Opening Tests): Jos Buttler

England seemed to have changed their attitude and outlook towards playing Test cricket under Stokes and McCullum, which was evident from the way they steamrolled New Zealand at home in the recent Test series.

However, Buttler has dismissed his own chances of opening for the Test team anytime soon.

“I thought someone had written the wrong story, to be honest. I don’t think there is much merit in that [the prospect of opening Tests]. Was it from Kumar [Sangakkara]? Maybe he was just plugging from Rajasthan Royals openers or something.

“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. I’ve loved watching them and I hope it continues,” Buttler told BBC Sport’s Test Match Special.

Asked by Jonathan Agnew whether there was a red ball in his bag leading up to the Test campaign, Buttler replied: “Not at the minute, no.”

Plenty of fans will be looking to see that change in the near future, however, in the hopes he can replicate his T20 success to the Test arena.

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