Joe Root backs game-changer Jos Buttler to reach ‘another level’

Joe Root has tipped Jos Buttler’s game-changing innings against Pakistan to launch a new phase of his career as England’s wicketkeeper batsman.
Buttler produced a brilliant 75 on day four at Emirates Old Trafford, combining with man-of-the-match Chris Woakes in a 139-run stand that lifted the home side from the brink of defeat to a chase of 277 – the second highest in the ground’s history.
As he later admitted, Buttler started his knock with a debt to repay having missed three chances with the gloves, including a stumping and a catch off centurion Shan Masood.

A low score in the fourth innings would surely have seen the scrutiny over his position crank up in the coming days, with Surrey’s Ben Foakes waiting in the wings.
But Root, as Test captain, has never been anything other than resolute in his support of the 29-year-old. Not only does he like Buttler, he trusts him, uses him as a sounding board on the field and has seen on numerous occasions in the limited-overs team the deep well of skills he can call on.
It is no surprise, then, that he sees the start of a new chapter rather than the end of an old debate.
“It felt like a matter of time, I’ve said on a few occasions it’s been coming for quite a while,” he said of Buttler’s counter-attacking masterclass.
💯 partnership between these two 🤜 🤛
How are your nerves?
Live clips: https://t.co/L2JX7cVIZW pic.twitter.com/t5J637QhIt
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 8, 2020
“There are times where he’s been very selfless, played the situation and done what’s right for the team. He did exactly that again here but for a longer period and got us into a position to win the game. That is really exciting for the team and for him as an individual.
“I think it will provide him with a huge amount of confidence in all aspects of his game and he should take that forward for the rest of the series. He can really use that as a platform to go to another level.
“It’s infectious when you’re an all-rounder. Look at someone like Ben Stokes, if he doesn’t perform with the ball he can come out and score you a hundred. That’s what all-rounders do and it’s what Jos has done this week. He might not have performed with the gloves but he’s ensured we got across the line with a brilliant batting performance.
“That’s the way he should look at it and take that confidence forward to the rest of the series.”
Woakes has also raised expectations around what he can achieve with the bat in the years to come.
While his performances this summer have been outstanding with the ball – 15 wickets at 15.80 across four Tests – his run-scoring had tailed off in the two years since he scored his maiden hundred against India at Lord’s.
After shepherding his side to a three-wicket victory with an outstanding 84 not out, Root has raised the bar for the Warwickshire man.
“He was long overdue wasn’t he?” he said with a smile.
“When you watch Chris playing you can see he’s more than capable of three or four more Test hundreds. The game is there. He’s got all the attributes you could want and his experience over time in international cricket has really paid off.”
Latest
-
News
England’s historic chase of 378 against India is eighth-highest of all-time
West Indies hold the Test record with 418 against Australia in 2003.
-
News
England complete record chase of 378 to beat India and level series
England completed a staggering seven-wicket success as Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow saw them comfortably over the line.
-
News
Ben Stokes’ England revelling in thrill of the chase
The Test team completed the largest fourth-innings run chase in their history against India.
-
News
Allegations of racist abuse among the crowd at Edgbaston being investigated
The Bharat Army has claimed “many” of its members were targeted.
-
News
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
England
England make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
England
England face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
England
England ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.