Buttler signs new three-year deal with Lancashire

Lancashire and England wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has extended his stay at Emirates Old Trafford until 2019 by committing to a three-year contract with the Red Rose County.

Buttler, who is expected to make his first appearance of the season for Lancashire when they take on Durham in the T20 Blast this evening, was recruited by Lancashire in 2013, with a view to becoming a regular in the England Test side.

Buttler has made 15 Test appearances, but his place in the side has since been surrendered to Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow, which means Lancashire are likely to benefit from Buttler's extended availability, as he attempts to stake his claim for selection.

Lancashire will travel to Headingley, home of the current County Champions, as the leaders of Division One, but Ashley Giles has said that Buttler will not be selected for this match, opting to allow Buttler to rest after his IPL commitments with Mumbai Indians.

Buttler said: "I've really loved my time at Emirates Old Trafford and I'm looking forward to the next three years with Lancashire County Cricket Club. I hope to repay the faith shown in me and to help Lancashire win trophies in all competitions."

Renowned for his unique flamboyance and shot selection, as well as his fast hands through the ball and brutal timing down the ground, Buttler has revolutionised the one-day game and is responsible for all three of England's fastest centuries in ODI cricket, with the quickest of these coming in 46 balls against Pakistan last year.

Lancashire's Director of Cricket Giles, said: "Jos is one of the most talented crickets in the game and we are really pleased to have him at Emirates Old Trafford for at least the next three years.

"He has the ability to take games away from the opposition in all formats. Jos is a great guy to have in the dressing room too and his experience at international level really benefits the squad."

Buttler's last appearance for Lancashire coincided with the Club lifting the NatWest T20 Blast trophy at Edgbaston last August and Giles will be hoping that Buttler will be able to turn Lancashire's fortunes around, after they were comfortable beaten by Derbyshire Falcons in their opening T20 fixture, with New Zealand's Martin Guptill set to make his Lancashire debut against Durham.

Despite his rare availability for Lancashire, Buttler has made some impressive contributions. His scintillating innings of 71 not out from 35 balls inspired Lancashire to a last-ball win against Yorkshire in front of a packed Headingley crowed last season, helping the Lightning to earn a crucial victory in their bid to progress from the North Group.

He then hit 53 off 37 balls in the quarter-final against Kent at Canterbury, as Lancashire advanced to Finals Day in dramatic circumstances. Both sides made 142 in 20 overs, but it was the visitors who reached the semi-finals by virtue of losing fewer wickets.