Buttler fired up by Botham’s Ashes tales

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler said he is fired up for the Ashes, that starts on Wednesday, after hearing tales of the historic series from legendary England allrounder Ian Botham.

Botham, who almost single-handedly won the 1981 Ashes for England with amazing performances with both bat and ball, was invited by team management to speak to the side.

The 24 year-old Buttler, who will be playing in his first Ashes series, was loving every moment spent in the company of Botham, who played 102 Tests for the Three Lions.

Buttler said: "It was great. It was like storytime with your granddad, really. 'Beefy' – everyone sat around listening to stories of the rockstar life he led.

"It was quite different the way he went about it as to our how our preparation has been. He said you have to understand that is how it is – but the cricket doesn't change. You have to enjoy it, and embrace the Ashes.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for me personally and the team – but it's something you want to be a part of, to Test yourselves in these situations."

The first Ashes Test takes place at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

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