Australian chief coach Justin Langer has hailed England’s explosive batsman Jos Buttler by calling him new MS Dhoni in the contemporary cricket. On the eve of much-awaited England-Australia clash of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019, former Aussie top-order batsman Langer also conceded that English wicketkeeper-batsman had done exceptionally well to make an impact in the world cricket. He also believes Buttler is by distance an exciting batsman, particularly in the white-ball cricket.
Buttler has been audacious in approach, and his ball striking has often made him a threat for the opposition. Known as a match-winner, Buttler can turn the match on its head particularly at the fag end of the innings.
The 28-year-old Buttler has represented England in 137 ODIs since 2012. He has amassed 3,728 runs at an average of 41.4. Buttler further slammed nine hundreds and 19 half-centuries under his belt in 113 innings for the Three Lions.
While talking about the context, Dhoni has earned a reputation of finishing the games for Team India. The celebrated cricketer and former skipper Dhoni have done a remarkable job by winning crucial games for the Men in Blue which includes 2011 World Cup finale against Sri Lanka at the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Pertinently, he has been in great touch of late in the ongoing year. In between, Dhoni has also played some sluggish innings which saw him being criticised for his approach. Dhoni, who has been a slow starter, further delivers to rise on the occasions and this has been his USP, particularly in the One-day Internationals (ODI).
Langer is in awe of Jos Buttler:
While lauding Buttler for his athleticism and approach towards the game, Langer reiterated that he enjoys watching him play. Langer has also referred Buttler as an ‘incredible finisher’. He added the Somerset play has been unbelievable with the bat.
So much so, Langer is hoping to see Buttler returning to pavilion without scoring against the Kangaroos.
“Jos is an unbelievable player. I love watching him bat. He is the new Dhoni of world cricket. I hope he gets a duck in this game obviously, but I saw him at Somerset and he is an unbelievable athlete and an incredible finisher,” AFP quoted Langer, as saying.
Meanwhile, Langer is eager to witness the game between two giant forces of the cricketing world. Interestingly, both teams are listed in first four teams of the World Cup standings.
The traditional Ashes arch-rivals will lock horns in the 32nd match of the ODI showpiece at the historic Lord’s stadium in London.
England under pressure, but Langer knows them well:
In conclusion, Langer feels England deserves to be among the top four teams despite their loss against Sri Lanka.
Langer said England unit is best in the world and they’re ready for every challenge given to their available squad at the World Cup.
“They are the best team in the world. Just look at their team, nothing has changed in a week. I can’t wait for Tuesday – England at Lord’s, World Cup. That is what we are thinking about,”
With Australia looking to strength their knockout stage chances, England will be keen to bounce back following two losses at the World Cup so far.