India v England: Jos Buttler says all is not lost despite difficult first day
Jos Buttler struck 43 on his Test return as England closed on 268-8
Saturday 26 November 2016 15:22, UK
Jos Buttler says England are still in the game despite a disappointing first day of the third Test against India in Mohali, where they slipped to 268-8.
Buttler impressed with 43 on his first Test back in the team after over a year out, putting on 69 for the sixth wicket with Jonny Bairstow, who top-scored with 89.
Buttler, though, was one of a number of soft England dismissals - chipping Ravindra Jadeja to cover - as they failed to make the most of ideal batting conditions after winning the toss.
"The guys will be a little bit disappointed with a few of the dismissals," said Buttler. "All is not lost though. If we can get up to and over 300 tomorrow, we're in the game.
"We've started to see a few balls keeping low and some spin already, so runs on the board are going to be crucial.
"It was great the way Jonny (Bairstow) batted - he has been in fantastic form for a long period of time, and he showed again exactly what he is capable of.
"It was a bit of a surprise opportunity to get to play, so my thoughts were similar to my Test debut - that overriding emotion was one of real excitement.
"I'm trying not to worry about the change in formats, what colour the ball is, and just try to take a very similar mindset into each game.
"I always want to be positive. You could see that with my dismissal - they started bowling wide and it's a question of do you try to sit in for that period and soak up the pressure? Or do you still try to make things happen?
"I maybe got caught in two minds a little. That's always going to be the challenge for me, but as much as I can, I'll try to trust my instincts and err more on the positive side."
"I just really enjoyed being out there in the middle today. Sometimes you wonder if you're ever going to get another opportunity, so I wanted to make the most of it."
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