How do England solve a problem like Buttler?

There’s a huge question mark over Jos Buttler’s place in the England test XI and stubborn selector Ed Smith can’t afford to bury his head in the sand much longer.

Rotation during a packed summer schedule in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown could mean deciding on a long-term solution will be put-off until the winter, but it’s clear something needs to be done sooner rather later.

Aside from how to pick a seam attack out of England’s embarrassment of pace bowling riches, the keeper-batsman is the biggest headache facing the selectors – or should be.

It’s been another series without a notable score so far for Buttler against the West Indies, having registered 35, 9, 40, and a third ball duck when promoted to open in search of quick runs.

Of course, his elite batting talent, range of attacking shots and importance to the One Day team is in no doubt.

But Buttler has batted 39 times without reaching three figures in the longer format, 106 was the last – and only – test ton he scored, that was in the second innings of England’s heavy defeat to India at Trent Bridge in August 2018.

And in 23 test innings since England’s dramatic 50-over World Cup victory over New Zealand last summer, he has recorded only one half-century (70 at the Oval in the final match of the Ashes series).

A batting average of 31 in 43 test matches is far from great; an average of 21 in his last 11 appearances shows it’s heading in the wrong direction, for a 29-year-old that should be heading towards the peak of his powers and producing more meaningful knocks.

It’s right that Joe Root wants everyone to be afforded the time do what’s best for the team, rather than taking a selfish approach to batting.

But Buttler has had plenty of chances in the test arena, so is chief selector Ed Smith’s loyalty to him really best for the team?

Sticking by your man can often reap rewards, but the stats show that a disappointing couple of matches against the West Indies is more than a bump on the road.

Especially when the best wicketkeeper in the country is knocking on the door. Ben Foakes is sharper with the gloves and has yet to be given a fair chance with the bat.

Ben Foakes (Wisden)

In five tests, he’s scored 332 runs at 41, including 107 on debut. That should merit an extended chance to prove himself at the elite level, as has been afforded to Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow previously.

Foakes also has a couple of stumpings to his name already (Buttler is yet to claim one in 43 tests) and was flawless keeping to spin trio Jack Leach, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid on the last Sri Lanka tour.

That could be crucial with a trip to India still pencilled in for after Christmas, with England likely to include a second spinner to support Dom Bess – as it stands, probably Leach.

It could make picking the fast bowling options even harder though, unless they chose not to sacrifice a pace slot.

How? By handing the gloves to Ollie Pope, as in the second test in New Zealand last December.

In home conditions, it would allow a second all-rounder – Chris Woakes, or Sam Curran – to slot in to the team, alongside the almighty Ben Stokes, Bess, and three of James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Mark Wood (when all the seamers are fit).

And on the subcontinent, England could have their cake and eat it, by playing the additional spinner without risking the wrath of Broad.

If Buttler is to be given a final chance in the third test against the West Indies and even Pakistan, something still needs to change.

That might be to drop him down the order a place, if Woakes or Curran keep their spots, and ask him to counter-attack by playing a few more shots with the tail.

Or the pressure could be reduced by telling him to play somewhat like it’s a limited overs game, especially if England aren’t behind in the match situation.

That might be just what Buttler needs to finally score that elusive second century, and accelerating the innings is never a bad thing if he’s successful.

But in standing still for too long, Smith and Root could risk taking the team backwards.

England can’t solve a problem like Buttler by ignoring the issue, debating the pace attack and fawning over Stokes. Problems are solved by taking action.

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