Jos Buttler may be 35, but he continues to bat with sharp intent and fearless clarity. His recent form proves he is still England’s most dangerous white-ball batter. An explosive 83 from 30 balls against South Africa and a ruthless takedown of Ireland’s bowlers in Malahide showed that his game remains at the highest level.
Now, Buttler looks like the steady core of England’s limited-overs side. This year, he has averaged over 53 in the Powerplay, while striking at more than 155. That record underlines his value in the opening six overs. For England, the question is simple: how can they give him the maximum time at the crease?
Alongside Phil Salt, Buttler has formed a formidable opening pair. Salt’s raw aggression combines perfectly with Buttler’s experience, creating a partnership that drives England to big starts. Together, they have become the reliable engine behind many of England’s high totals with Indian series coming again in timeline.
At this stage of his career, Buttler also continues to refine his approach. He reads bowlers quickly, adjusts to conditions, and adapts to each match situation. If England were to move him down the order, they would lose a major advantage. Keeping Buttler at the top remains the smartest option for their success.
How Jos Buttler at 35 Still Rules the Game?
Age has done little to slow Buttler’s precision or hunger for runs. He continues to mix raw power with clever placement, allowing him to attack bowlers without taking reckless risks. His hand-eye coordination remains sharp, making him one of the few players who can consistently hit innovative strokes like the reverse scoop against the world’s best attacks.
A big part of his longevity comes from his careful management of workload. Buttler now selects tournaments and formats wisely, ensuring he stays fresh for the most important fixtures. That discipline keeps him at peak levels throughout long seasons. He plays with intent, but avoids the burnout that often comes with heavy schedules.
Mentally, Buttler is calm under pressure. He knows when to consolidate and when to accelerate, a skill that even younger players struggle to master. Physically, he still moves smoothly at the crease, maintaining balance and control during shots. His training focuses on core strength and wrist power, which helps him keep his trademark shots consistent.
In short, Buttler’s craft, fitness, and sharp cricket brain mean he is still one of the most feared openers in world cricket.
The Numbers That Back Buttler’s Powerplay Mastery
Buttler averages over 53 in the Powerplay this year, while striking at more than 155. These figures show just how destructive he is in the first six overs. Teams fear him early because he can both score quickly and build long partnerships. These numbers prove that Buttler is not just surviving at 35 — he is thriving and still setting the tone for England.
What Is the Role of a Player Like Jos Buttler in the Team?
Buttler’s role in England’s white-ball setup extends far beyond scoring runs. He is the team’s most consistent run-maker and a batter who can both anchor and accelerate, depending on the situation. This flexibility gives England the chance to build totals in different ways. He can start carefully, then explode later, or attack straight away if conditions demand.
His influence also stretches into the dressing room. Younger players learn from his preparation and his calm presence during tense matches. Captains and coaches value his input when shaping batting strategies, while his standards in the field inspire those around him.
In major tournaments, Buttler is England’s insurance policy. He handles pressure better than most and steadies the innings when the top order collapses. Keeping him as an opener not only maximises his scoring opportunities but also allows the middle order to play more freely.
Leadership Beyond Captaincy: Buttler’s Quiet Influence
Even when he is not captain, Buttler’s leadership is clear. He guides younger players in training, showing them how to prepare mentally and physically for big games. His example creates stability in the squad and raises consistency across the lineup. This kind of leadership, quiet but steady, is priceless in tournament cricket.
How He Matches the Style with Phil Salt?
Buttler and Phil Salt have developed into a one-two punch at the top. Salt often explodes early, attacking bowlers with fearless hitting, while Buttler balances the innings with controlled aggression. When Salt sets the pace, Buttler can rotate strike and then strike when needed. If Salt falls early, Buttler shifts gears and builds the innings himself.
This balance makes them one of the most effective opening pairs in modern cricket. Their understanding comes from years of batting together across England, Lancashire, and the Hundred. They trust each other’s instincts and run well between the wickets. This chemistry keeps pressure on the opposition throughout the Powerplay.
Partnership Mechanics: Why They Work So Well Together
Salt’s footwork and early aggression force bowlers into mistakes, while Buttler’s shot selection punishes the loose deliveries that follow. Together, they rotate strike smoothly and keep the scoreboard moving. These small habits add up, often creating the big opening stands that set England apart from other teams.
How Jos Buttler Adapts His Batting to Match Situations?
One of Buttler’s greatest strengths is his adaptability. He starts each innings by reading the pitch and assessing the bowlers quickly. If pace dominates, he waits for full deliveries to attack. If spin comes early, he uses his feet and softer hands to work singles until the field opens up.
Buttler also adjusts based on match context. When chasing, he focuses on momentum and calculates when to unleash big shots. When setting a total, he ensures stability early and accelerates later to boost England’s finishing power. This ability to switch gears quickly makes him unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
He also trains for different match scenarios, practising finishes and testing innovative strokes in nets. This preparation lets him stay calm under pressure and exploit gaps that others may not see. That adaptability makes him almost impossible to plan against.
Buttler often moves back in the crease to create new angles, shifts his stance slightly to open scoring areas, and blends soft touches with powerful hits. These small tactical shifts break bowlers’ rhythm and allow him to control the game flow.
Conclusion
Jos Buttler at 35 remains England’s most important T20 and ODI batter. His Powerplay statistics show he still dominates early, and his partnership with Phil Salt gives England an unmatched opening edge. More than just a run-scorer, Buttler provides leadership, balance, and adaptability that few players can match.
England must continue to keep him at the top of the order. Moving him down would waste his ability to set the tone in Powerplays and reduce the pressure he takes off the middle order. His presence as an opener ensures that England start strong and maintain control in most matches.
For selectors and coaches, the plan is simple. Protect Buttler, give him the role where he thrives most, and build the team around his strengths. If England do that, Buttler still has the ability to win matches single-handedly and guide the team deep into global tournaments.