Buttler 'nervous and excited' for Test debut

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.
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."
Latest
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
News
World Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
News
Klaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka.
-
News
James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad as England shuffle seam attack in Sri Lanka
The most prolific seamer in history will swap places with Broad for the second Test.
-
News
Joe Root backs Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley to adjust to Asian conditions
Sibley and Crawley contributed four single-figure scores in the opening Test for a total of 25 runs.
-
News
England fast bowler Olly Stone ready to resume Test ambitions in Sri Lanka
The Warwickshire quick is ready to prove himself again after 18 hard months since his debut.
-
News
Angelo Mathews: Sri Lanka batsmen ‘can learn a lot’ from Joe Root
Mathews hailed Root’s ‘magnificent innings’ in the first Test.
-
News
Dawid Malan happy to stay put after Trent Rockets’ show of faith
The England batsman has earned an improved deal in The Hundred.
-
News
England coach Chris Silverwood grateful for gift of the Gabba
India’s famous win over Australia grabbed the England squad’s attention in Galle.