I am sure Stokes' name will be first on the team sheet, says Jos Buttler

England batsman Jos Buttler is pleased with the return of premier all-rounder Ben Stokes to the England squad for the third Test against India. He missed the second game at Lord’s because of a trial he was attending at Bristol and made his comeback after the verdict went in his favour. However, Buttler feels that the return of Stokes in the playing XI is imperative after the way he played at Edgbaston.

Buttler, who has a quiet series so far, also feels the performance of some other players will make the job of the coach and captain to choose the playing XI difficult. Chris Woakes, who replaced Ben Stokes at Lord’s, slammed an unbeaten century and also took four wickets to end up as the Man of the Match. Besides, Sam Curran, the player of the match in the first Test at Edgbaston, has also been contributing well in all the departments.

“It will be a tough selection for the third Test at Trent Bridge,” Buttler, 27, wrote in his column for Sky Sports. “Sam Curran and Chris Woakes have won the Man of the Match awards in the first two Tests and with Ben Stokes coming back into the squad it will be a difficult decision for the coach and captain.”

I’m looking forward

Also, the 27-year-old was sure about Stokes making it to the XI since he is a kind of his own. “But Stokes walks into most teams around the world … I’m sure he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet. I’m looking forward to seeing him joining us back at training,” he further added.

Stokes played a key role behind England’s win at Edgbaston by picking up four wickets in India’s second innings, including the prized one of captain Virat Kohli. England now lead 2-0 in the Test series with three matches to go.

Buttler also praised England quick James Anderson who took nine wickets at Lord’s to peg India back from the word go. The 36-year-old bowler, who is now just 11 scalps short of becoming the fast bowler with the highest tally of Test wickets in the world, was described as an “incredible professional” and “role model” by England’s limited overs wicket-keeper.

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