Australia vs England: Jos Buttler wants Ben Stokes to ‘impact the game’ ahead of T20I series

Ben Stokes is set to make his comeback in T20Is after a gap of more than one and a half years. He last played against India back in March 2021 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

AUS vs ENG: Buttler wants Stokes to ‘impact the game’ ahead of T20I series. Courtesy: Reuters

By India Today Web Desk: England skipper Jos Buttler said that he wants to give Ben Stokes responsibility and freedom to play his game on T20I comeback. Stokes hasn’t played in the format since March 2021, but is expected to play a key role for the Three Lions in the T20 World Cup on Australian soil.

Prior to the multi-nation mega event, the 32-year-old Stokes will take part in three T20Is against Australia in Perth and Canberra. Buttler mentioned that England would try and give Stokes a chance to bat higher up the order.

“Ben Stokes is someone we want to try to give as much opportunity to impact the game as possible. Try to get him up the order as high as we can, give him as much responsibility as possible, and allow him to play his way to get the best out of him,” Buttler was quoted as saying.

Buttler travelled to England for the seven-match T20I series, but didn’t play a single match. The veteran said that he refrained from taking the field, keeping in mind the World Cup. The wicketkeeper recently recovered from a calf injury.

“I’m back to 100 percent. Had a good time in Pakistan rehabbing, probably could have played earlier, but with the World Cup around the corner, it was the right thing to do,” he stated.

In the absence of Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Phil Salt and Phil Salt opened the batting against Pakistan. Buttler sounded excited about batting alongside the in-form batters.

“We have great options at the top of the order with guys in really good form in Pakistan. They’re both excellent options. Whoever I partner with will have a great go at it,” Buttler added.