Jos Buttler is a 'freak' and up there with greats, says Nasser Hussain
"Sometimes we don't build up our own cricketers enough. This bloke is so special, it's untrue"
Sunday 12 May 2019 09:43, UK
Nasser Hussain says "freak" batsman Jos Buttler must now be considered one of the greatest white-ball players of all time after he smashed an eighth ODI century for England, against Pakistan at The Ageas Bowl.
Buttler cleared the ropes a staggering nine times and struck six fours, bringing his hundred up off 50 balls, as England posted 373-3 from their 50 overs as they won Saturday's second ODI against Pakistan by 12 runs.
"He is a freak," Hussain told Sky Sports Cricket. "Sometimes you don't realise what you've got, because it's right in front of you.
"You travel the world and you talk to people about Jos Buttler, and they rave about this lad.
"I don't like massive comments, but he'd have to be up there with the three or four greatest white-ball players of all time.
"You're talking Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni, Viv Richards. I have to put Buttler in that category.
"If you do it once, it's a freak, but if you do it again and again and again; suddenly our very own Jos Buttler from Taunton is up among the greatest white-ball players to ever play the game.
"Sometimes we don't build up our own cricketers enough. This bloke is so special, it's untrue."
Given Buttler's explosive exploits, and with recent success opening the batting in T20 cricket, Hussain pondered whether England could benefit from moving him higher up the order. Buttler came to the crease in the 36th over against Pakistan.
"There have been other very good white-ball cricketers that you don't move," added Hussain. "Michael Bevan from Australia - the finisher - and Lance Klusener for South Africa.
"With Buttler, if you could get him in slightly earlier, would it take anything away from him? Or should you, because he is so good in the last 10 overs, just leave him where he is?
"All I know is that if I'm captaining against him, I am happy if he is not at the crease, up in that dressing room. No game is finished until you've got Buttler out."
England captain Eoin Morgan, who shared a 162-run partnership with Buttler in Southampton, said of his team-mate: "When he plays innings like that, and they seem to be grouped closer and closer together, it means we're very fortunate to have him in our side.
"He seems to have a gear that not many of us have. I certainly don't have it, but it's great to watch.
"He always seem to time his run really well, regardless of what time he comes in, he always seems to have enough balls to go on and bang a 50-ball hundred. He was brilliant and the difference in the two teams."
Watch the third ODI between England and Pakistan, at Bristol, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 12.30pm on Tuesday.
