England’s Jos Buttler: Final Ashes Test will not be a dead-rubber as history beckons
England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler insists the opportunity to make history will remove the threat of next week’s fifth Investec Ashes Test at the Kia Oval turning into a dead-rubber.
Victory over an abject Australia at Trent Bridge last week ensured that Alastair Cook’s England have regained the Ashes after surging into an unassailable 3-1 series lead.
But never before have England won four Test matches in a home series against Australia, something which, if achieved, could elevate this series beyond other successes, according to Buttler.
“The opportunity to win four matches could make this series one of the most memorable,” said Buttler. “But it’s already been a fantastic few weeks, and very surreal to have won the Ashes.”
Former Ashes hero Steve Harmison, meanwhile, has urged England’s selectors to run the rule over Hampshire’s rookie leg-spinner Mason Crane ahead of the autumn series against Pakistan in the UAE.
Conditions tend to favour spin and Harmison believes 18 year-old Crane, who has taken 10 wickets in two first-class matches this summer, could be a surprise package. He said: “I think England have got to give serious consideration to taking him to the UAE as third spinner.”