Jos Buttler is expected to be named in Englands first Test squad of the summer today in a decision that will have wide-reaching consequences.
Ed Smith, Englands new national selector, is believed to have identified Buttler as a player who can help resurrect the teams poor batting performances.
Joe Roots side lost the Ashes in Australia over the winter before being beaten in New Zealand – they face Pakistan and India at home this summer.
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Buttlers last Test appearance came 18 months ago and he has played little first-class cricket since as his focus has been drawn towards one-day cricket and the various T20 franchise leagues across the world.
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He is currently flourishing in the Indian Premier League, scoring five consecutive fifties after a slow start for Rajasthan Royals.
But Buttlers inclusion in Englands squad to face Pakistan will rule him out of the final stages of the competition.
Rajasthan, who are mentored by Australian legend Shane Warne, are currently fourth in the table and will qualify for the play-offs if they win their final two games.
But Buttler, who averaged 31 in his first 18 Test matches, will be unavailable if selected in Englands squad.
It will not be the first time Englands selection policy will have had an impact on the IPL. Last year, Buttler, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes were pulled from the tournament to attend an ECB training camp in Spain ahead of the Champions Trophy.
As England offer Buttler another chance in the Test arena, he looks set to bat at number seven, with Jonny Bairstow retaining the gloves.
Smith will announce his first England squad at 3pm following a meeting at Lords with head coach Trevor Bayliss, selectors Mick Newell and Angus Fraser and Test captain Root.
More: Cricket
England will stick with Alastair Cook, the countrys leading runscorer in Tests, but could axe Mark Stoneman and James Vince following their struggles over the winter.
Moeen Ali is expected to return to the side after Somerset spinner Jack Leach broke his thump playing in the County Championship this week.
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Jos Buttler is expected to be named in Englands first Test squad of the summer today in a decision that will have wide-reaching consequences.
Ed Smith, Englands new national selector, is believed to have identified Buttler as a player who can help resurrect the teams poor batting performances.
Joe Roots side lost the Ashes in Australia over the winter before being beaten in New Zealand – they face Pakistan and India at home this summer.
More: Cricket
Buttlers last Test appearance came 18 months ago and he has played little first-class cricket since as his focus has been drawn towards one-day cricket and the various T20 franchise leagues across the world.
Advertisement Advertisement
He is currently flourishing in the Indian Premier League, scoring five consecutive fifties after a slow start for Rajasthan Royals.
But Buttlers inclusion in Englands squad to face Pakistan will rule him out of the final stages of the competition.
Rajasthan, who are mentored by Australian legend Shane Warne, are currently fourth in the table and will qualify for the play-offs if they win their final two games.
But Buttler, who averaged 31 in his first 18 Test matches, will be unavailable if selected in Englands squad.
It will not be the first time Englands selection policy will have had an impact on the IPL. Last year, Buttler, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes were pulled from the tournament to attend an ECB training camp in Spain ahead of the Champions Trophy.
As England offer Buttler another chance in the Test arena, he looks set to bat at number seven, with Jonny Bairstow retaining the gloves.
Smith will announce his first England squad at 3pm following a meeting at Lords with head coach Trevor Bayliss, selectors Mick Newell and Angus Fraser and Test captain Root.
More: Cricket
England will stick with Alastair Cook, the countrys leading runscorer in Tests, but could axe Mark Stoneman and James Vince following their struggles over the winter.
Moeen Ali is expected to return to the side after Somerset spinner Jack Leach broke his thump playing in the County Championship this week.
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