Jos Buttler is Lucky to Play Test Cricket, feels Andrew Flintoff

Former England all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff believes Jos Buttler is lucky to play Test cricket after the latter made a comeback to the Test side on the back of some strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, Buttler struck 548 runs from 13 games at an average of 54.80 for Rajasthan Royals. He single-handedly changed the fate of the franchise taking them to playoffs before leaving India.

The swashbuckling batsmen marked his return with two fifties including an unbeaten 80 in the second Test against Pakistan. Buttler’s knock guided England to level the series back at Leeds after going down 1-0 to Pakistan.

Unlike the English media and skipper Joe Root, a few people expressed dissatisfaction by his presence in the Test side. Speaking at a Sky Ocean Rescue event in Cardiff, Flintoff was critical of Buttler’s performance.

“Buttler is lucky to be playing Test cricket,” said Flintoff.

He also feels the wicket-keeper batsman needs to grab the opportunity admitting he will be there for some time now.

“He has got to take his chance and he has grabbed it with both hands, I wouldn’t say he has cemented his spot but he is going to be there for a while now,” he added.

Meanwhile, Buttler’s next assignment will be against Australia in the five-match ODI series. ECB has decided to give him a rest in the upcoming one-off ODI against Scotland.

The 27-year old will be a vital cog for the Three Lions against the Aussies. England will start the series on a high having beaten them earlier this year after the Ashes.

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