Bursting all rumours about it being the end of the road for Jos Buttler in red-ball cricket for England, skipper Joe Root said that the wicket-keeper batter was very much part of the team’s plans going further. He further wished the vice-captain all luck for his special moment as he and his wife are expecting a child in September for which he took a break from the fourth Test against India starting Thursday, September 02 at the Oval.
"I don't see this being the end of Jos' Test career at all. I see someone that is desperate to perform well in the Test arena. I think he loves the Test game and he's a big part of our team,” Root told media in a virtual press conference ahead of the start of the Test.
“I hope it's a really memorable week for him. It's really important that we respect that to be able to be at the birth is really special. Hopefully, everything goes well. It's a very exciting time for him and hopefully, it's very special,” the skipper added wishing Buttler all luck and hoping to have a hat with him later on regarding the fifth test at Old Trafford.
Jonny Bairstow would be keeping in place of Buttler and Root, who has himself been in an unbelievable form in this series hopes that Baorstow utilises the potential and hunger he has for the game.
"Jonny just wants to be as influential in the game as he can and that's a great trait. It's really good that he has that mindset and I'm sure he will do a fantastic job,” said the 30-year-old.
Chris Woakes, who has been added for the fourth Test in the squad also got a thumbs up from the skipper. Speaking about the Warwickshire seamer, Root said, “The white-ball stuff that's he played this year has been exceptional, getting it to move all over the place. He was our best player last summer. To have him back around things is great, and it can only put us in a really strong position going into this game."
The series is levelled at 1-1 after three Tests and the Oval could prove to be a moving Test in the five-match series.