BOLD BUTTLER SEIZES HIS CHANCE OF A REPRIEVE

Jos Buttler strode into the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ yesterday and, dispensing with all caution, played the innings that may just have extended his Test match career.

His 76 was typical Buttler, at least the white ball version of him, full of invention, daring and positive intent. But as the prize hove into view he reined back to show the kind of responsible restraint demanded by Test cricket though he eventually perished playing a reverse sweep with his team not quite over the line.

The selectors have stuck with him in the hope he would play innings like this in Test cricket but they have been rare. Here though, the situation presented was one where risk was both necessary and justified, after England had slumped to 117 for five chasing 277. In that respect his role was sharply defined.

Still, it was an incredible win as he and Chris Woakes, equally liberated by England’s seemingly hopeless situation, struck out for freedom with a stand worth 139 and hit gold.

Prior to that, and with wicket-keeping errors affecting his overall confidence, Buttler had looked certain if not for the chop, then certainly to be thoroughly dissected at the next selection meeting before the second Test.

That latter will surely happen despite England’s victory. Three wicket-keeping errors by Buttler in Pakistan’s first innings, which cost his team at least 111 runs, saw him under the kind of scrutiny usually saved for disgraced politicians. But then the wicket-keeper’s lot is to present a safe pair of hands or get them bitten, hard.

Mistakes happen but when two are against a batsman, Shan Masood, who goes on to make 156, public opinion can turn against you and quickly, given the outpouring of ire against him on social media. While much of that is driven by emotion a cool analysis of the situation nevertheless shows Buttler has been found wanting as a Test player for a while.