For all Jos Buttler’s skilful strokeplay it’s his “tactical intelligence” that most impresses Kumar Sangakkara.
The legendary Sri Lankan, a Wisden Cricket Monthly columnist and expert in marshaling one-day run-chases, told Wisden.com: “Jos Buttler has shown phenomenal improvement and awareness over the last two years.
“His skill is exceptional but his greatest skill at the moment is really about his ability to read situations and adapt his game. His tactical batting has come a long way and it’s really helped him.”
Buttler is enjoying a stellar 2018 which saw him star with a flurry of half-centuries in the IPL, recalled to England’s Test team, where he made consecutive fifties (having hit just six half-centuries in his previous 18 Tests). He has since been promoted to open the batting in the England T20 team.
Sangakkara is confident Buttler can continue his fine form in the longest form against India following the recall by national selector Ed Smith – providing he plays his natural game.
“I think he’ll have a specific purpose in Test cricket, especially batting at No.6 or No.7,” Sangakkara said.
“He still has to be attacking, there’s another new ball coming, he’s able to bat with the tail and has the attacking game to really shepherd that tail and take England to bigger and better totals.
“There is clarity in his purpose and no one confuses him as to what they expect from him in Test cricket. He’ll be a great asset to England’s Test team.”
