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Buttler set to replace Duckett in Mohali
- Updated: November 22, 2016
Jos Buttler looks set to return to England’s Test side as a specialist batsman. Buttler, who was dropped as wicketkeeper a year ago, has only played one first-class game since but such is the England management’s belief in his ability – and, just as importantly, the modest form of the alternative options – that he looks certain to be recalled for the third Test against India in Mohali.
The man to make way will be Ben Duckett. While the England coach, Trevor Bayliss, remains a believer in Duckett’s natural talent, his struggles against spin appear to have convinced the team management that to subject him to further exposure could damage his long-term development. He has scored 18 runs in the three innings he has played in the series against India and seen a technical weakness against quality offspin from R Ashwin exposed in merciless fashion.
There are only two spare batsmen in the squad: Gary Ballance, who was dropped after the Bangladesh portion of the tour, and Buttler.
For all Buttler’s ability, he has an oddly modest record in red-ball cricket. He only once reached 30 in his last 12 Test innings (his highest score in that period was 42) and he has a first-class average of 32.07; …
