Reports: Jos Buttler to be included in the Test squad for Pakistan series

Jos Buttler is set to be rewarded for his rich vein of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he is likely to be included in the Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. He has scored five consecutive half-centuries while opening the innings for his franchise Rajasthan Royals and has won them the games single-handedly. The squad is set to be announced on Tuesday as the new chief selector Ed Smith will meet the head coach Trevor Bayliss, fellow selectors Mick Newell and Angus Fraser, as well as Test captain, Joe Root at Lords.

If Buttler indeed gets selected, then he will miss the next game for the Royals against RCB on May 19 as all the players featuring in the IPL are required to return to England by May 17. The other Test players plying their trade in the tournament Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali are also set to leave the country soon. Buttler missing the rest of the season will be a huge blow for the Royals as they have been dependent on him in the last few matches. It is tough for the player like D’Arcy Short to replicate his performances after struggling throughout the season.

Buttler to return after 18 months

According to the reports in The Telegraph, Jos Buttler will make his return to the whites for England after a gap of 18 months and will bat number 7 in the line-up. But Jonny Bairstow should most likely continue to don the wicket-keeping gloves and also bat at 6 after his heroics in New Zealand recently. A call will also be taken over the likes of Mark Stoneman and James Vince who have underperformed significantly since Ashes Down Under and were also below par against the Kiwis.

The two-match series against Pakistan will commence on May 24 at Lords after which the second game will be played in Headingley.

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