Jos Buttler describes his achievement of becoming England’s record appearance maker as “surreal” and has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who made his international debut in a T20 match against India in 2011, recently surpassed James Anderson’s record with his 402nd cap in a game against Sri Lanka.
Born in Taunton, Buttler has showcased his versatility across formats with 57 Tests, 199 ODIs, and 146 T20 internationals to date. His contributions have been pivotal — from anchoring England’s victorious 2019 World Cup campaign on home soil to captaining the side during their 2022 T20 World Cup journey.
Reflecting on his career, Buttler said, “I’m really proud to have played that many games. It’s been an incredible journey. To think about that young kid who would have given anything for just one game, to now have played 400 is truly special.”
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Buttler’s hunger and dedication remain as strong as ever. “That desire to represent England burns bright. I’m proud to have the resilience to bounce back through tough times, continuously improve, and turn up every day with passion,” he added.
The pinnacle of Buttler’s career so far remains the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s. His composed 59 runs under pressure, followed by a stunning run-out of Martin Guptill in the Super Over, secured England’s historic victory. “That day will always be my favourite and it’ll take something extraordinary to top it,” Buttler remarked.
Recognized as one of the earliest global T20 superstars, Buttler’s dynamic batting style revolutionized England’s white-ball cricket. He holds the record for England’s three fastest ODI centuries and has thrived in international franchise tournaments such as the IPL and Big Bash League. His fearless 360-degree attacking style transformed how England approach limited-overs cricket.
Despite his successes, Buttler remains humble about his journey. “Playing this many matches exceeded anything I ever imagined. Once you get into the team, you want to stay for as long as possible,” he shared.
He attributes his longevity to a relentless drive to realize his potential. “You never quite get there, and that keeps you motivated to train hard every day. At the core, the love of playing for England and wearing that badge is all the inspiration you need.”
However, Buttler admits to some regrets. He feels he never fully established himself in Test cricket, which he regards as the ultimate challenge. “Test cricket was always the pinnacle for me. It demands everything and tests you in every way. I feel I fell a bit short of where I wanted to be there.”
He also reflected on his decision to step down as England’s white-ball captain in February 2025 after the team’s early exit at the Champions Trophy, calling it a disappointing chapter.
As fellow record-holder James Anderson retired in 2024 at 41, Buttler remains committed to continuing his career. “People ask what’s next, but I don’t have a set plan. From my conversations, you just know when it’s time to stop. I haven’t had that feeling yet, so I’ll keep going until I do.”
Jos Buttler’s remarkable story is one of grit, passion, and relentless pursuit of greatness—a true cricketing legend still writing his legacy.