Jos Buttler Reveals Being Feared He Was Playing His Final Test Before Vital Knock In Manchester

England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler crafted one of the best Test innings of his career on Saturday to script a memorable three-wicket victory over Pakistan. England found themselves in deep trouble when chasing 277 as Jos Buttler joined hands with Chris Woakes to build a 139-run stand to drive them home. The 29-year old reveals to have been afraid of being dropped before that.

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Jos Buttler did not have the best of the times in the first Test in Manchester against Pakistan. Behind the stumps, Buttler fluffed a few chances and misfielded too that cost the home side some crucial runs. With the bat, he could score only 38 runs in the first innings as the Englishmen conceded a sizeable 107-run lead. Hence, had he not played a crucial innings of 75 in the chase, Buttler might have likely faced the axe for the remaining two Tests.

As England found themselves five down needing more than 160 runs, Jos Buttler conceded that thoughts were going through his mind. The gloveman admitted that he would have likely played his last Test if he fails to mark his territory here. However, he moulded his mindset to focus on the present that helped him thrive. Buttler fell for 75 when England needed only 21 more for victory. Woakes held his nerve to secure the series lead by remaining unbeaten on 84.

“Definitely thoughts go through your head, like potentially if I don’t score any runs I’ve probably played my last game. Those kinds of things are in your head, but you’ve got to try and shut them out and try and focus on the here and now and play the situation and I’m pleased I was able to do that,” Buttler stated as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

“You’ve got to be better, I know that” : Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler admits that if he had done things right, their win might have come an hour ago. The Somerset cricketer acknowledged that his performances behind the stumps were underwhelming and that one cannot afford to miss such opportunities at this level.

“If I’d taken those chances, we’d have won two hours ago. I’m very aware I didn’t keep well, I missed some chances and at this level, you can’t afford to do that no matter how many runs you score. You’ve got to be better, I know that,” he added.

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