MUMBAI: If not for
Jos Buttler and Jake Ball's 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket, England's first innings total wouldn't have touched the competitive 400run mark.
The big-hitting 'keeper Buttler, drafted in as a specialist batsman, held himself from playing his natural game initially, but his innings was one of character which came against a high quality attack and in testing conditions. It also laid to rest the theory that he wasn't cut out for red-ball cricket even though he had played just one First Class game in 13 months.
The big gap didn't matter to the 26-year-old who had made his Test debut against India in 2014 before losing his place in the Test squad.
“I don't think it mattered to me at all. Probably the best thing I feel for me is actually having not played any cricket for a year,“ said Buttler of his 137-ball 76.
“In the summer when I got injured, playing so much cricket there is not always enough time to think and break down your game and have a think about what is vital for me to get the best out of myself.
“So I feel the last year I probably learnt the most about myself and about cricket in my whole career. I was still confident about coming back and getting picked. It shows that the coach and the selectors obviously believe you can do it. I really worked hard during the time leading into the Tests,” he added.
For someone who plies his wares for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, the conditions at Wankhede were familiar for Buttler. But his teammate at the franchise,
Parthiv Patel, didn't think much of his innings.
“I think, honestly, he was very lucky yesterday (Thursday),“ said Parthiv, “There were a lot of inside edges and the ball missed the stumps by very little but I thought he batted well today . When you don't have any pressure, you tend to play well.
“Once wickets fell, he had to play with tailenders and he played his game. Would love to see him defending few in the second innings if it turns and bounces,” said Parthiv.
Stay updated with the latest from IPL Auction 2025, including the final squads of all 10 teams – MI, CSK, RCB, GT, RR, KKR, DC, PBKS, SRH, and LSG. Don't miss the latest updates on our Live Cricket Score page.
Start a Conversation
Post comment