ENG VS IND 2018: Jos Buttler Draws Inspiration from Virat Kohli to Score Maiden Test Ton

English stumper Jos Buttler has been in the form of his life across all three formats of the game. He recently made a comeback to the Test squad against Pakistan. He has scored the bulk of runs in the One-day International series against Australia. Buttler was also in good form in the limited overs series against India. He is now hoping to draw inspiration from the Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

Buttler is aiming to use the experience of Indian Premier League (ICC) to score his maiden Test century in the upcoming five-match Test series against India.

“Someone like Kohli is an immensely talented guy but also watching him go about it you see that mentality of getting to the top. They seem to make the right decision a lot of the time. That is a skill,” he was quoted as saying by reporters at The Oval.

Hunger is to do well day in and out: Jos Buttler, who draws inspiration from Virat Kohli

“The hunger to do it day in day out…that hunger really shines through in those top players,” he added.

Buttler was part of the Rajasthan Royals squad in the IPL. He ended up scoring a whopping 548 runs at an impressive average of 54.80. He smashed five consecutive fifties which also included a couple of 90’s.

“The biggest thing I have learnt from the IPL is that it’s obvious what the best players do and why they are the best players and standouts,” said Buttler.

“They just have a different mentality, a winning mentality in every game and the consistency to do that. I feel like I have learnt a hell of the lot from watching guys train and go about their practice, ways they react to certain pressure moments in a game as well,” he added.

Buttler hasn’t been a regular feature of the English Test side. However, after his impressive showing in the limited overs format, he finally made a return against Pakistan. His highest Test score remains 85 against India on his Test debut.

He is craving to score a Test century. Hence it will be a big opportunity for him in the upcoming series.

“It is the ultimate aim, I would love to achieve that feat. I have good memories against India but it is about reinforcing the enjoyment factor and the incredible opportunity to play Test cricket,” he stated.

“For those two games against Pakistan, I was not sure how it would go but I approached them in a great manner and it is important for me to do that going into this series,” Butter pointed.

Friendship will disappear on the series starts, feels Jos Buttler

However, Buttler feels that the friendship will disappear on the ground once the series kicks off.

“There are a few guys I have played with. Naturally, you have friendships with them but on the field, they seem to be forgotten and everyone is competitive,” he revealed.

“There is a lot more familiarity between the sides than there ever has been before. Not on the pitch but maybe on the training days and around the lunch room. Moeen played with Virat at RCB and [Yuzvendra] Chahal. I have played with Hardik Pandya at Mumbai so you are open to having a chat,” he maintained.

“I am sure there will be moments in the Test series, especially on the field, when those things look like they have been forgotten. It will be highly competitive,” Buttler reiterates.

Buttler feels a Test series against India is almost as important as the Ashes.

“Absolutely, it is a huge series. India is a fantastic team, in all conditions as well now. Australia is a huge series for England, but in this day and age India are not far behind,” he said.