ENG v AUS 2020: Jos Buttler driven by competition for slots in English set-up 

Buttler was key to England's victory in the second T20I of the three-match series against Australia.

Jos Buttler | GettyDespite his fantastic record and remarkable stroke-making ability, Jos Buttler doesn't like resting on his laurels. The explosive wicketkeeper batsman said competition for slots within the English set-up has been a real driving force for him. 

Buttler's class was on display once again when he struck the ball around the park through his 77 not out in 54 balls while he guided England during the eventually successful run-chase in the second T20I on Sunday (September 6).

Read Also: "Jos Buttler's someone we're going to have to plan for", says Mitchell Starc 

The win pushed England to irrevokable ascendency in the three-match T20I series, having come out victorious in the previous encounter last Friday as well. 

"When you play against Australia it gives you a lot of determination to play well and I think the competition for places in the side has really been driving me as well," Buttler was quoted as saying by AFP ahead of the third T20I on Tuesday.

"When you miss out, you feel that pressure so to come back in you feel like you have to play well."

Buttler, though willing to bat anywhere the team requires, did say he prefers opening the innings and would love to do that even at the next year's T20 World Cup. 

"It probably is my favoured position to bat in T20 cricket. I've had most of my success at the top and I think that is natural, if you bat in the top three in T20 cricket," said the 29-year-old, who does the same for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Indian Premier League (IPL).

While England saved the day in the first T20I via Chris Jordan, Tom Curran's excellent death-overs bowling, the second was set-up by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood's impactfully restraint acts.

"From the first over Jofra set the tone brilliantly picking up a big wicket (David Warner for zero) and that really set us on our way," said Buttler.

"As an opening batsman the last person you want to face first up is Jofra Archer with a brand new ball."

"Keeping wicket, when you watch him travel to the wicket as he did in those last two games, you know he's going to bowl fast."

"It's a nice thing to have as a side, those two (also Wood) steaming in, and I'll try to steer clear of them in the nets," he signed off. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 07 Sep, 2020

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