Lancashire wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has been called up to the England squad to replace the injured Matt Prior for the third Test against India.
The 23-year-old will make his Test debut this Sunday at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl as England trail 1-0 in the series.
The call-up could be an opportunity for the youngster to cement his place permanently in the squad, as 32-year-old Prior has cited fitness reasons could end his England career.
And the Somerset-born ball catcher is thrilled with the call-up.
“It is a dream come true and I’m sure it won’t sink in until I meet up with everyone and Sunday morning comes,” he told Lancashire County Cricket club.
“Obviously, I’m really excited and nervous as well, but that’s to be expected. I can’t wait for it to be Sunday now.
“It’s been a long term goal and ambition. It’s probably come sooner than I imagined as well, which is great for me. It shows that I’ve been going in the right direction and improving fast, which I feel I’ve done this year at Lancashire.
“I still feel like I’ve got improvements to make, but it’s great that I’ve been named in the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
Buttler has already played 33 one-day matches and 36 Twenty20 games for his country but will be hoping to cement his spot in the Test squad for years to come.
Spinner Simon Kerrigan has been dropped from the squad for the third Test, which starts on Sunday, 27 July at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl.
The youngster was called up as cover for the first Test at Trent Bridge, but Prior recovered from a thigh injury to play.
National selector James Whitaker said: “Jos Buttler comes into the squad following some very exciting limited-overs performances for England and a good record with Lancashire this season.
“Matt Prior has contributed a huge amount to the England side over the years and should be proud of his record throughout his 79 Tests.
“He has decided to take time out of the game to work on his fitness and we will continue to follow his progress over the coming months.”
Other players and fans took to social media to wish the debutant all the best for the future.
Lancashire teammate and ex-England international Kabir Ali and Steven Croft posted their congratulations.
@josbuttler congrats pal
— Kabir Ali (@Imkabirali) July 22, 2014
Congrats @josbuttler
— Steven Croft (@Stevenjcroft) July 22, 2014
And England fan Daniel Till also offered his support on Twitter.
So good to see @josbuttler in the test squad. Time to do what you do best!! #whatatalent
— Daniel Till (@D_Till91) July 22, 2014
Spinner Simon Kerrigan has been dropped from the squad for the third Test and there is no replacement with selectors announcing a 13-man squad.
Image courtesy of Official England Cricket, via Youtube, with thanks
