Southampton, July 25:
Set to make his Test debut against India in the third match of the series, England wicketkeeper batsman Jos Butler says it would be a big Test for him but he is determined to play aggressive cricket.
The 23-year-old Butler was brought in the team as a replacement for Matt Prior, who decided to take an indefinite break from cricket due to injury following another poor show in the 95-run defeat in the second cricket Test against India at Lord’s.
“Test cricket is my ultimate goal,” said Buttler, a couple of days ahead of what will surely be his debut Test.
“It was nice to have played ODIs and T20s for a while and it was a good introduction to the team environment. It’s the same players, same backroom staff and it looks quite familiar to me now.
“Sunday is going to be a big Test for me and I am determined to enjoy the feeling,” he said.
Having made his ODI debut in 2012, Buttler has now become a regular fixture in the England playing XI as well as the T20 side.
In the limited-overs arena, he is considered to be an aggressive batsman, something he had also brought into his first-class play in the county circuit.
In the 2014 season, he averages 40.57 from eight games so far at a healthy strike-rate of 55.14 and England will be hoping for a spark from him, especially considering that he models himself on Kevin Pietersen.
“I want to stay aggressive and score runs. When Pietersen played, people wanted to watch that. It is a little bit about momentum too,” he said.
“I am playing well and I am in a better space. I am ready.”
The third Test of the five-match series between India and England will start at Southampton on Sunday. (PTI)
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