ENG vs IND: Jos Buttler set for England comeback in Manchester Test

Wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler is all set to return to the England squad for the fifth and final Test against India, starting Friday, September 10 at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Buttler played the first three matches in Nottingham, Lord’s and Leeds, but had to leave the squad ahead of the ongoing fourth Test at the Kennington Oval in London.

He left the squad in order to attend the birth of his second child. On Thursday, September 2, he was blessed with a baby girl, Margot. Recently, speculations surrounding the end of Buttler’s Test career has been doing the rounds.

Jos Buttler is a big part of our team: Root

However, Joe Root, the England Test skipper, reckoned that Buttler’s career in the purest format is far from being over. Root said that Buttler remains an integral part of the Three Lions’ Test setup.

“I don’t see this being the end of Jos’ Test career at all. I see someone that is desperate to perform well in the Test arena. I think he loves the Test game and he’s a big part of our team. As far as I’m concerned, I hope it’s a really memorable week for him and it will be great whenever he is available to play again,” Root was quoted as saying in a virtual press conference.

After Buttler left the squad for personal reasons, Jonny Bairstow took the wicketkeeping gloves. Ollie Pope was drafted in as a middle-order batter and he hasn’t flattered to deceive by any means. Pope scored 81 runs in the first innings of the Oval Test, but is yet to bat in the second innings.

If Buttler returns, the Three Lions’ team management will be in with a conundrum regarding changes in the batting lineup. In the first three Tests of the series, Buttler didn’t taste much success. He managed only 72 runs from five innings at a mere average of 14.40.

His highest score of 25 came in the second innings of the Lord’s Test that England lost by 151 runs. However, with the keeping gloves, Buttler has been impressive as he has taken 18 catches in the three Tests he has played thus far.