Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott believes the time has come for Jos Buttler to leave the Test side. In the longer format of the game, he believes Jonny Bairstow should be England's regular wicketkeeper-batsman since he bats better against pacers than Buttler.
In four Ashes 2021/22 Tests, Buttler had only 107 runs and an average of 15.28. He dropped 3 important catches with the gloves in Adelaide, contributing to England's loss. Buttler, who has a broken finger, will miss the fifth Test in Hobart.
"I'm sorry Jos Buttler is out with an injury and will have to return home, but his wicketkeeping has been poor, and his hitting has been even worse. Jonny Bairstow lost his position in the team when he lost his batting form while keeping the wicket. It's time to say goodbye to Buttler "Boycott wrote about it in his Telegraph column.
"England can't be emotional or be pulled by his outstanding one-day performances. He isn't doing nearly enough to keep his Test spot. In 57 Test matches, he has only two centuries. He has played 14 Test matches for the Ashes and has an average of 19. That's enough, "Boycott added.
Due to a right thumb injury, Bairstow is doubtful for the fifth Test, although he fought hard to score 113 and 41 in both innings at Sydney, which drew Boycott's eye. "Bairstow appears to have calmed down with his batting, and it's about time. It shouldn't have taken him so long to realize his problems. This is his eighth century, along with 22 half-centuries, so it's not like he's never done it at Test level."
For the time being, England's keeping options are Ollie Pope, who kept wickets in the second innings, and specialist keeper-batsman Sam Billings, who spent time with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). "Because of his thumb injury, he may not be able to play in the next Test match, and even if he does, keeping a wicket with an injured thumb would be crazy. As a result, he'll most likely be unable to keep, "Boycott said.