Jos Buttler believes cricket’s hiatus could help prolong his and other England players’ careers.
Buttler had been due to play in the Indian Premier League before a packed summer on international duty starting in June, but has not played since the start of March, in England’s warm-up game before the Sri Lanka series was called off.
And Buttler said this morning: “I think maybe in years to come we’ll be looking back at the benefits [of lockdown]. It’s a strange time and tough on families and people across the world.
“I hope we never experience it again, but to have a complete break — both physically and mentally — will hopefully add some more years to come to our careers. Potentially, it could have a benefit on us as players.”
England are still set for a potentially crowded calendar from July 1, with touring parties due from West Indies and Pakistan. And in a boost to the former series, West Indies last night selected a provisional 30-man squad to tour.
England’s players are on the verge of resuming training next week, with individual sessions using a single coach, before smaller groups and then the final squad coming together.
Of his potential return, Buttler added: “It’s a bit of everything — nerves, excitement and apprehension — but I think it’s a positive step for cricket for players to train.”
