Jos Buttler is keen to make a return to Test match cricket, but admitted it is a 'tough team' to break back into. Under the guidance of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, England have revolutionised Test cricket.
Dubbed 'Bazball' after coach McCullum, the Test team have adopted a much more positive way of playing, most predominantly with the bat. Their latest outing in Pakistan proved the perfect example, as they blew away their opponents to secure an historic 3-0 whitewash series win.
One man who has seemingly made way in England's new wave is T20 captain Buttler, who is yet to feature under the new partnership of Stokes and McCullum.
On paper the wicket-keeper seems to be the perfect player for England's new hard-hitting batting style. Buttler has been instrumental in his nation's recent shorter form successes, captaining England to a T20 World Cup victory in November.
Despite being arguably the best white ball on the planet though, the T20 skipper is yet to find his way into McCullum's plans, and whilst he is keen to battle his way in, he is more than aware of the challenge he faces to be selected.
When asked by Mirror Sport if he was hopeful of making a return to Test cricket at this year's Sports Personality of the Year awards ceremony, he said: "Yes, but it looks a tough team to get into doesn't it.
Whilst he has not been apart of the new brand of cricket, Buttler was more than complimentary of his fellow countrymen. They are playing an amazing brand of cricket and it has been fantastic to watch," he added.
"Not only the success they are having but the style they are doing it in has been brilliant. They are putting a lot of eyes on English cricket." In spite of his Test snub, Buttler has more than played his part in a year of success for England cricket.
Reminiscing on November World Cup winner down under, the T20 captain commented: "It was incredibly special. Those moments are few and far between in your career, and to be able to lift the trophy as captain and go through that journey is special memories that I will remember forever."
