Xtra Time Web Desk: England star batsman Jos Buttler once again made it clear that his preferred batting position in the shorter format of the game is to open the innings. The Lancashire cricketer has also kept his options open to bat wherever the team demands depending on the situation. Buttler has been opening the batting for England in the ongoing T20I series against India. The wicketkeeper batsman played a brilliant match winning knock (83 off 52 balls) to guide his team home against India in the 3rd T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.
“Yes, opening the batting is my preference in the T20. I think for most people it is the best place to bat. But I am always open-minded, certain teams may ask me to bat somewhere else,” said Buttler during the virtual press conference after the match.
There has been a lot of debate as to who should open the batting for England in T20Is.
“I don’t know if it will ever end (debate of him opening the batting), people seem to quite enjoy talking about it. I certainly feel the pressure of that sometimes,” said Buttler.
Buttler admitted that skipper Eoin Morgan wants him to open for England. The constant backing from Morgan has given him the confidence to excel.
“Eoin is always very clear with every single player on what he expects from them and how much he backs them to do that job. At the moment he wants me to open the batting and he backs me 100 per cent so that gives me a lot of confidence,” he added.
England leads the five match T20I series 2-1. Both teams will face each other at the same venue for the fourth T20I.