Change of format works wonders for record-breaking Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler admitted that the change of format came at the perfect time after his 46-ball century against Pakistan in the final ODI, reports ESPN Cricinfo. Buttler’s unbeaten 116 from just 52 balls helped England post their highest ODI score overseas and claim a comfortable 3-1 series win over Pakistan.
Buttler’s innings broke a slew of records, including the fastest ODI century by an Englishman and the right-hander said it was a “really satisying” innings.
"To play like that is really satisfying after a very lean period," Buttler told Sky Sports after the match. "I don't really understand how it can turn around so fast, but it was a great day and to win the series over here is no mean feat. Everyone has enjoyed that win.”
"I think the format change came at the right time for me," he said. "It freed me up in one of my best formats to go and play in. But honestly I don't really know [what caused the turnaround]. It's not that I've trained any differently, everyone has said I've maybe been a bit more relaxed with the white ball around, but I still train the same and still work hard.”
Buttler also added that his mind wasn’t on breaking any records after a far-from productive 2015, especially in the longest format of the game.
“I'm really proud, and it will probably sink in over the next few days," he said. "It was so satisfying after what has been a tough time. I was thinking about retiring two weeks ago, so it's amazing how it turns around. That's why we play the game, to have those moments that live on forever.”
Buttler, who was named Man of the Series said his unbeaten 49 in Sharjah helped “get the monkey off my back and actually do something.” He also admitted that the decision to come in at No.4 was all Eoin Morgan’s work.
"That was all Morgs' decision," Buttler said. “I was sat next to him and he said 'do you want to go and put your pads on?' Obviously we had a great platform from J-Roy and Rooty who played fantastically well and it was great to get the opportunity to go in a bit earlier and chance my arm.”
"Quite a lot of it is predetermining," Buttler said. "You never want to get too one-dimensional. If they bowl it where you don't think they are going to bowl it, you try to have another option and not get too over-committed. Obviously a lot of shots are 100% pre-meditated, but you try to have a way out.”
The 25-year-old was also quick to praise fellow centurion Jason Roy. "What a feeling, you saw his celebration, fantastic,” Buttler said. "He's played really well in the last two series and he really wanted that hundred.
“When he got past fifty he really took that responsibility to get that score for the side. That’s brilliant from him, it looked quite tricky early on, it swung around a bit, and I'm sure we'll see him kick on to be a fantastic player.”
While Buttler was pleased with the individual performances, he was happy to be a part of a winning team.
“It’s about winning," he said. "It's great having talent and being a young group but we do need to win and we've come here and done it. The confidence it gives the dressing room and the group of guys, you can't underestimate that. There's a World Twenty20 coming up [in March] and we are building a really good side.”
Trevor Bayliss, England's head coach, said: “I’m not sure I’ve got the words for what I saw tonight. It was unbelievable batting, and it wasn't just slogging either, it was very some good cricket shots and some shots that aren't in the coaching manual.”