Jos Buttler demands England's batters ease the Ashes burden on Joe Root

NICK HOWSON: In what is a defining series for the captain, the remainder of the line-up is being urged to step up to the plate

England cannot rely on Joe Root to lead their batting effort once again if they're to win the Ashes from Australia this winter, according to Jos Buttler.

The captain has enjoyed a stunning year with the bat but has lacked support.

With 1,455 runs in 2021, Root is tantalisingly close to breaking both the England record for most runs in a calendar year - held by Michael Vaughan - and could even surpass the all-time record-holder Mohammad Yousuf before the end of the month.

But the problems have been elsewhere.

Root has recorded six of England's seven highest individual scores of the year and recorded more than three times as many runs as the next player, Rory Burns (479), who is the only other centurion.

Vice-captain Buttler, who arrives into the series off the back of a fine performance in the T20 World Cup, has been as guilty as any of the top seven having recorded just 257 runs in 10 innings.

And there is a determination among the group not to leave Root, who has enough on his plate skippering his second away Ashes tour, high and dry.

buttlerj071201-min

Vice-captain and wicketkeeper Buttler will hope to weigh in with some big runs

"He needs lots of support," he said. "We know the form he’s been in with the bat this year, so we will support him as well as the rest of the squad. 

"We know he’s our best player with the bat so we want to support him and share that load. 

"He’s been in incredible form this year especially so I’m sure he’s determined to continue that.

"It’s a massive series for him, he feels it’s a defining series for him. In my eyes, I can’t say it would be over such a long period and a great career that he’s had, and will still have going forward. 

"It’s a massive moment as an Englishman to come here to captain an England team in Australia. We are determined to help shed that load on him. It’s a full squad effort, the players in the team, support staff and everyone around."

History suggests that if England have any ambition of winning the series, they need to avoid defeat at The Gabba - the stage for the first Test.

Australia are unbeaten in their last eight Ashes Tests at the Brisbane venue, their last defeat coming in the 1986/87 series.

broadanderson071201-min

James Anderson and Stuart Broad look set to miss out on selection for the first Test

In January, the hosts lost their long unbeaten run at The Gabba against all opponents stretching back to 1988 after losing to India, a defeat which saw them surrender the series 2-1.

“Any time you come and play in Australia as an England team it's a huge challenge, history tells you that," Buttler added.

"That makes it exciting. Australia tend to play well here but they obviously lost to India recently at this venue, which proves it's not impossible to beat them here.

"We know to be able to do that we have to perform close to our best. As a side we focus a lot on ourselves – the opposition are a fantastic team but we know if we bring our A-game we will be there or thereabouts."

England will be without James Anderson for the series opener after a decision was taken to leave him on the sidelines as a precaution due to a slight calf problem.

From the 12-strong squad selected for the Test, the final berth will come down to a straight shoot-out between Jack Leach, the left-arm spinner, and Stuart Broad.

Our coverage of the Ashes is brought to you in association with Cricket 22

Comments

No comments received yet - Be the first!

LATEST NEWS

No topics to show right now, sorry!
STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.