Buttler 'nervous and excited' for Test debut

Cricket365
July 25, 2014

Lancashire wicketkeeper Jos Buttler is on the brink of making his England Test debut, in the third match against India at Southampton, and is excited about finally getting his chance on the big stage.

Buttler already has over 60 limited-overs caps for England, their established ODI and T20 keeper, but is now getting his chance in the whites due to the injury to Matt Prior, who is undergoing Achilles surgery.

When asked what he was feeling, Buttler said: "Excitement is probably the main one. I'm obviously delighted to get the call up. It's a proud moment for me, the chance to represent my country in Test cricket.

"It's a mix of excitement and a few nerves. I think it's good that I know the set-up and the guys, so introductions have been pretty easy. I'm looking forward to training and then getting amongst it.

"I've had some good days on this ground (Rose Bowl), my first first-class hundred was on this ground and had an exciting Twenty20 finals day with Somerset as well.

"Usually when you come here you get a pretty good wicket. I enjoy the ground and I like the place, it will obviously have some special memories for me."

He went on to say that while he wasn't the 'finished article' in terms of his keeping, he felt more confident now that he'd be able to do a good job, saying: "Maybe mentally I've got over the fact that I'm closer to playing Test cricket than I thought I was.

"My cricket has been going in the right direction, I'm really pleased with the way it is going. I'm probably far from the finished article. I don't think anyone would be at this stage of their career.

"But I'm delighted to have this chance and I'm determined to enjoy it. I don't think anyone really steps into and sets the world alight straight away.

"I'm not really expecting to do that. It would be great if I could. It's down to me to remember what I've done to get me this far, and what has helped me in my county career, and in limited overs cricket for England.

"It's a step into the unknown because I've never done it before. It was probably something I didn't think I'd get to so quickly."

The keeper went on to say that all the players were backing skipper Alastair Cook to find form in the next match, after a dire run of form this past year: "Everyone is right behind him.

"He knows what a quality leader he is of everyone, and what a great player he is for England. Everyone is determined to see him get back to his best.

"It's a great quality he has shown throughout his international career, that determination and doggedness to put things right, to find a way."