Buttler versus Bairstow – Whom should England back in Tests?
Jos Buttler or Jonny Bairstow? If you’re an English selector, this happens to be a recurring headache. If you’re an avid fan, this remains a perpetual conundrum. These are two extremely talented cricketers involved in the battle of securing a place in the national Test team. Both the players play a near-identical role and possess similar qualities. And that’s precisely why the “who is better” debate looms more often than not.
The numbers game
It is noteworthy that Buttler has played 45 Tests to Bairstow’s 70. Even though Bairstow is more experienced, his average hovers in the zone neither he nor his supporters would like. Buttler, who has been in contention in the Test side of late, does not have impressive credentials either. Not having more than one century in 80 innings is a cause of concern.
There is not even an iota of doubt about the potential these two players have. However, to have potential and to be able to exploit it are two different things. If one looks at their First-Class record, there’s no comparison. Bairstow averages 10 points higher than Buttler, has 4 times as many centuries, and twice as many half-centuries. However, Bairstow does not quite carry the same lead in the international arena.
Buttler in the last 2 years has played nearly as many matches as Bairstow and has 863 runs at 33.19. His numbers don’t help his candidature, however, statistically, he still outperforms Bairstow who averages a dismal 19.15 for his 498 runs. Some might still argue that Bairstow’s exit was premature and that he should have been given more chances, however, the woes for him have persisted rather steadily in the whites.
Bairstow has been England’s preferred wicket-keeper and having played thrice as many Tests with the gloves, he stands taller to Buttler in that slot by all accounts. However, given that his wicket-keeping didn’t receive universal approval at the start, Buttler, who had a terrible Test behind the wickets at Manchester, can stay hopeful and work to improve.
What should England do?
By his own admission, Jos Buttler feared that he was at the edge of his place in the Test team. But his talismanic 75 won England a Test they looked lost at one stage. He looked a completely different batsman than he was in the last 18 months. Gone was the nervousness and hesitancy and his knock oozed positivity and focus. While England should not write him off just yet, to not give Bairstow his share of chances will be hara-kiri. There’s no reason for England to not trust a man of Bairstow’s stature.
Buttler has shone in phases, but let’s be pragmatic. To expect a man averaging 32 after over 100 First-Class matches to suddenly do wonders is unreasonable and impractical. Moreover, his hiccups with the gloves have been only evident. For what Bairstow has done behind the wickets and for what we know he can do, it’s him England should throw their bucks on.
