On the eve of the first Ashes Test match at the Gabba, England wicketkeeper batter Jos Buttler has said that it impossible to beat Australia at The Gabba, where hosts lost just a single Test in the since 1988 that was against India earlier this year.
England have not won at the Gabba since 1986, losing six Tests and drawing two in that time
“Any time you come and play in Australia as an England team it’s a huge challenge, history tells you that. That makes it exciting. Australia tend to play well here (Brisbane) but they obviously lost to India recently at this venue, which proves it’s not impossible to beat them here,” Cricbuzz quoted Buttler as saying.
“We know that to be able to do that we have to perform close to our best as a side. We focus a lot on ourselves – the opposition are a fantastic team – but we know if we bring our A game we will be there or thereabouts,” he added.
Buttler also reiterated that the decision to rest James Anderson from the first Ashes Test, starting Wednesday at the Gabba, was taken keeping in mind his workload and not because the pacer is unfit.
England left out the veteran fast bowler of the 12-man shortlist for the Ashes 2021-22 opener, fuelling speculations over the match fitness of the 39-year-old.
“Jimmy’s not going to play but he is fit. It’s obviously a very long series and we want a guy like that to be available to play as much of a part as possible. It’s just precautionary. He bowled well yesterday and again today. He’s fit but the guys are just being cautious,” the wicket-keeper said.
Ben Stokes Returns to England side
The wicketkeeper batter also spoke on Ben Stokes’ inclusion in the Test XI and said that the all-rounder looked in great touch in the practice sessions and he’s hitting the ball quite well.
Ben Stokes was out of action for months earlier this year due to mental health issues.
“He’s been performing very nicely in the nets, and in that warm-up game he looks fit, he looks strong and he’s hitting the ball well as well,” said Buttler.
“It’s a massive plus for us as a side with Ben being available to play. He brings so much to the team, not just with his skills set, but on the field his character we all know about as well.So to have him back amongst the ranks is a big lift for everyone in the dressing room,” he added.
England have also named 12-man squad ahead of the first Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.
