England in control of Mumbai Test, says Jos Buttler
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Jos Buttler felt England was in control of the fourth Test despite India making a strong start in their first innings, after he scored 76 to help the visitors post a confident first-innings 400 on the second day at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. At the close, the hosts were 146/1.
“Two guys (Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara) have played very well for India, but there is still a lead of 250 (to catch up), and as you see in this part of the world the game can accelerate when the ball is spinning,” the 26-year-old Buttler told a news conference.
“When we build up pressure there are definitely wicket-taking balls on that surface. We need to land the ball a bit more consistently and get a string of dot balls, that's when things seem to happen,” he added.
"It's still a good wicket for batting. The majority (of balls) are quite consistent (in behaviour) barring one with extreme turn. If you put that out of your mind and play, it's still good to bat on.”
Buttler stitched crucial partnerships after walking in at 249-5.
“Firstly, very pleasing. The knock was against quality bowlers in their conditions. I felt the team needs them and that's really satisfying. I really enjoyed the time in the middle and getting ourselves to what we feel is a good score on the board,” the Somerset player said.
Buttler got an opportunity to play in the third Test in Mohali after almost a year, as a specialist batsman to boost the lower middle-order after originally losing his wicket keeper-batsman place to Jonny Bairstow in Test cricket. However, he had continued to excel in the limited-overs game.
“Probably the best thing for me is having not played any red-ball cricket for a year and having some time to think about my game,” said Buttler who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Buttler had a very good start to his Test career, as he scored 474 runs at an average of 52.66 in his first 12 innings. But in his next 13 Test innings, he could manage only 156 runs at an average of 13.
“We play so much cricket that sometimes there isn't enough time to think, break down your game and work out what is vital to get the best out of yourself. I feel like the last year I've probably learned the most about myself and about cricket in my whole career,” he added.
England trail 2-0 in the five-Test series.
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