England wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler scored a brilliant 75 during the 277-run chase against Pakistan in the first Test at Old Trafford. Buttler guided the home team to victory in the three-match series opener in Manchester.
Buttler played a crucial role behind the match-winning 139-run partnership held between him and all-rounder Chris Woakes (84*) which took the game away from the visitors. However, for Buttler, the innings was extremely special as he was going on with an emotional battle during the course of the match.
Before Buttler began his heroic knock, his father John was admitted into hospital on Friday evening. Buttler’s sister Joanne Vickers revealed the news on Twitter and said she is incredibly proud of her brother given the fact that he was told a night before his marathon innings that his father was in the hospital.
“Pretty proud given the last three days and being told at 10 pm last night your dad was in the hospital. That was for you, Johnny. Come on, England,” tweeted Joanne.
England skipper Joe Root also heaped praises for the star wicket-keeper batsman and the kind of strength the latter showed in the game.
“It says a huge amount about Jos as a person that he was able to park that. I’m sure it’s a very difficult thing to deal with. It’s one of his big traits — big pressure brings out big performances in him,” said Root as quoted by The Sun.
“It shows his strength of character, the strength of mind. This could be a real stepping stone in his career. He can deal with those high-pressure situations on the field but to have that external pressure must have been very difficult for him.
“So that’s why Jos Buttler is in this team. It shows his strength of character, the power of the mind and being able to read those situations,” added Root.
After winning the first Test by three wickets, England are leading the three-match series 1-0. The second Test begins from August 13 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Pakistan would be hoping to bounce back, whereas the hosts would be looking forward to seal the series.
