Buttler in Test cricket: A potted history

Jos Buttler has received a recall to the England Test squad. Here, The Cricketer tracks his previous form in the Test arena...

^{Jos Buttler with the Ashes urn}

Jos Buttler has received a recall to the England Test squad.

Here, The Cricketer's BRAD WEST tracks his previous form in the Test arena.

Having made his senior England T20 debut in 2011 and his ODI debut in early 2012, Buttler had to wait for his first Test cap until July 2014 when he was a left-field selection, having made his way in the limited-overs format, after first choice wicket-keeper Matt Prior suffered Achilles problems ahead of the third Test against India.

India (2014)

With the series finely poised at one win apiece Buttler made his Test debut at The Rose Bowl as England cantered to victory. The Lancashire wicket-keeper batsman started as he meant to go on with a fluent 85 runs from 83 balls while scores of 70 and 45 followed as Buttler made a promising start to his Test career.

Runs: 200

Average: 66.66

High Score: 85

West Indies (2015)

Buttler returned to the Test arena after the 2015 World Cup with three not out scores proving a modest return in a disappointing series overall for England.

Runs: 110

Average: 55

High Score: 59*

^{Buttler has been in and out of the Test team}

New Zealand (2015)

Two half-centuries in the first home series of 2015 against New Zealand showed another side to Buttler, a dogged determination and ability to bat time rather than just the flamboyant hitting we had become accustomed to.

Runs: 164

Average: 41

High Score: 73

The Ashes (2015)

Buttler struggled for the first time in Test cricket during the 2015 Ashes where a highest score of 42 highlighted that his application in the longest format had been found wanting for the first time.

Runs: 122

Average: 15.25

High Score: 42

^{He will not keep against Pakistan this year}

Pakistan (2015/16)

Following two disappointing Tests against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates Buttler was dropped after disappointing batting returns despite improvements in his wicket-keeping. This began a year-long exile from the Test arena as Jonny Bairstow took over the reins behind the stumps once again.

Runs: 34

Average: 8.50

High Score: 23

India (2016/17)

Buttler was recalled back into the Test fold midway through the India tour as England suffered a 4-0 series defeat on the subcontinent. Seen as a shock by many owing to him only having played two first-class matches all season, Buttler returned as a specialist batsman at No.7.

Runs: 154

Average: 38.50

High Score: 76

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