Jos Buttler says England Test recall is a ‘fantastic surprise’

Jos Buttler says his England Test recall for the series against Pakistan is a “fantastic surprise” and an “awesome opportunity”.

The 27-year-old has not played Test cricket since the tour of India at the end of 2016. Since then, he has established himself as one of the world’s most destructive white-ball batsmen.

This month, he hit an IPL-leading five consecutive half-centuries for Rajasthan Royals; form which has earned his Test recall for the two-match series against Pakistan, live on Sky Sports.

“It wasn’t particularly on my radar”, said Buttler. “It’s a fantastic surprise, an incredible opportunity and it feels like another debut really.

“I sort of planned the end of this summer and I knew I was going to be available for a lot of Championship cricket for Lancashire, so that was a real focus of mine to target red-ball cricket. You always think maybe that race is run so to get that call – it’s unbelievable and an awesome opportunity.”

Buttler has smashed 490 runs in just ten matches in the Indian Premier League this season, and hopes to bring that attacking style of play into the Test side.

“They want me to play in the way that suits me and in the fashion that will get the best out of myself,” he added. “For me it’s about expressing myself, trusting my instincts and allowing that to flourish rather than fighting it.

“I’m pretty sure I won’t be opening and trying to slog it in the first six overs but hopefully I can entertain.”

Although Buttler has become renowned as one of the best white-ball bastmen in the world, he insists Test cricket is still the pinnacle of the sport.

“You get the feeling talking to everyone that they still feel Test cricket is the best”, he added.

“Virat Kohli signing for Surrey to get used to playing in England so he can play well in Test matches shows that it’s at the forefront of players’ minds – Test cricket is still the pinnacle.”

(c) Sky News 2018: Jos Buttler says England Test recall is a ‘fantastic surprise’