Buttler reiterates Test keeping ambitions

Cricket365
October 3, 2013

England limited-overs wicketkeeper Jos Buttler says not being able to be behind the stumps full-time for Somerset was 'frustrating' and it prompted his move to Lancashire ahead of the new county season.

The 23-year-old made the move from a club that trained him since childhood as he wanted to make sure he kept developing with the gloves, with the aim of making it into England's Test side, where Matt Prior has the gloves.

Somerset were unable to give Buttler a guarantee that he would get more games as keeper, saying Craig Kieswetter would also be used, and Buttler felt this would hamper his chances of making a bigger impact for England.

Buttler told <i>Sky Sports</i>: "It's been frustrating. I'm ambitious to be the best wicketkeeper I can and when I'm not keeping wicket that's not going to happen.

"It's been important that I've kept professional, scored as many runs as I could and took the opportunities to keep (wicket) when I can.

"My performances for England were important. I was a little bit disappointed throughout the Champions Trophy but the Australia series was one I was really pleased with, both batting and keeping.

"Wicketkeeping is the route I want to go down. I'm an ambitious person. I want to play Test cricket and as a wicketkeeper so being the No 1 keeper was really important to me."

Buttler said he was especially excited to be working with former England coach Peter Moores, who was a wicketkeeper himself, and was also proud to play for such a storied club.

He added of Lancashire: "It's steeped in history, it's a great ground and the redevelopment they've done is impressive. It's a big place, a big county and one I'm excited to be a part of.

"There were a number of other things. Working with Peter Moores was a huge attraction and the size of the club and ambition the club have got.

"He's worked with a number of teams and had great success and as a wicketkeeper himself. I'm really excited to be working with him."