Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 80 runs to help England thrash Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs inside three days at Headingley to win the second Test and so end the two-match series all-square at 1-1. However, Buttler wrote some ‘vulgar words’ on the bottom of his bat’s handle and niw is running the risk of action the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to the ICC’s clothing and equipment rules and regulations: “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through arm bands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department… the ICC shall have the final say in determining whether any such message is approved.”
Explaining why he marks the top of all his bats in this way, Buttler said: “I think it’s just something that reminds me of what my best mindset is — when I’m playing cricket, and probably in life as well.