England batsman Ian Bell has backed Jos Buttler to become their squad's regular match-winner in Test cricket after the wicketkeeper-batsman made a spectacular impact on his debut in the third Test against India.
Although Buttler made an uncertain start to his innings, he powered away a range of strokes to score a quick 85 from just 83 deliveries.
Buttler would face tougher challenges than that presented by a listless India bowling attack but it was still a hugely encouraging first innings in Test cricket, as he helped England post 569 for 7 declared, The Independent reported.
Bell's 167, his first Test century for nearly a year, proved to be the foundation of England's first innings, and the batsman revealed that he had helped Buttler keep his cool as the nerves jangled early on.
Bell said that it looked like Buttler, who plays for county club Lancashire, was thinking a bit too much at the start of his innings, and added that the wicketkeeper nicked one that didn't quite carry to slip and they spoke about playing the way he normally plays, with the natural instinct he has.
Bell said that after Buttler got off the mark with a nice back-foot punch for three, he looked like the 'Jos Buttler' who plays county and one-day cricket, and added that that is the player he has to be for England.
Bell said that if they can set platforms for him, Buttler would move the scoreboard on and get England into winning positions.
