This is a player who would walk into most people’s limited-overs XI. A player who has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of a few overs. Having a wide array of shots all across the ground, this bludgeoning right-hander is one of the most feared middle order batsmen in the entire world. Jos Buttler is the man I’m talking about.
Now an integral part of the English limited-overs set up, Jos Buttler burst onto the scene in 2011. At the time there weren’t many eyes on him, as the limelight was stolen mostly by more established players like Pietersen, Morgan and Bopara. But a few years down the line, in 2014, Buttler announced himself in the international arena with big runs in a few big games. It was clear to see that the guy had some serious ball-striking prowess.
Despite being a relatively soft-spoken person, it is evident that there isn’t anything soft about the way that he bats. Because of his range of shots, he often makes the opposition captain tear his hair out. Bowlers don’t know where to bowl to him at the death, because he has the ability to dig out the same wide yorker over extra-cover, fine leg, or third man for six. Not just in the death, but the man from Lancashire also has the skill to put spinners off their game in the middle overs, and dominate them with reverse sweeps and excellent use of the feet.
Being a renowned name in most T20 circuits, Buttler has shown the world that he isn’t limited in terms of the positions that he can bat in. We saw that versatility in the previous edition of the IPL, where he opened the innings for Rajasthan Royals and it paid rich dividends with them getting a solid start in most of their games.
Buttler is one of those batsmen who can turn a predicted par score into a massive one because of his capability to play match-winning cameos towards the back-end of an innings. He has played such a crucial role in England becoming the firepower that they are right now. He can come in the middle order and continue the aggressive platform laid out by England’s swashbuckling top order. In almost every 400+ total that England have amassed in ODIs, Buttler’s contribution has been significant. Besides being an innovative batsman, Jos Buttler is a terrific wicket-keeper, with one of the safest hands in the country. His technique, especially standing back to the stumps is extremely neat, and has helped him take some absolute screamers in the games that he has kept wickets.
The only disappointment in his career has been him being in-and-out of the England test circuit. Jos has always been overlooked by the likes of Johnny Bairstow, mostly because the former hasn’t scored consistently in Red Ball Cricket. I would go as far as to say that had Jos Buttler been consistent in representing the Three-Lions in Tests, he would be as big a name as Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni and Ab De Villiers in the Cricketing fraternity, given how clean he strikes the ball and how safe he is behind the stumps.
Saying that, all Cricket fans can admit that they thoroughly enjoy the way this Wicket-Keeper Batsman from England goes about his business, and what he brings to the table. Limited Overs Cricket is in a better place because of players like Buttler, and the game he possess is one that draws a lot of eyeballs in, which in-turn is great for the sport. With that, we can safely say that we are blessed to have players like Jos Buttler going around, and we look forward to the excitement that he brings every time he goes out to bat.
-Vibhor Dubey
The Average Cricketer 