Coronavirus Outbreak: England's Jos Buttler feels COVID-19-induced break could help prolong cricketers' careers

The novel coronavirus shutdown has allowed cricketers to recharge their batteries and could help prolong their careers by a few years, England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler said. [caption id=“attachment_7013341” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Jos Buttler. Reuters[/caption] Buttler last played in a warm-up match against Sri Lanka in March before the COVID-19 pandemic brought global sports to a standstill. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last month extended the suspension of the professional game in the country until 1 July and Buttler believes the extended break will prove beneficial in the long run. “I think maybe in years to come we’ll be looking back at the benefits. It’s a strange time and tough on families and people across the world,” Buttler, 29, told British media. “I hope we never experience it again, but to have a complete break — both physically and mentally — will hopefully add some more years to come to our careers. Potentially, it could have a benefit on us as players.” Britain has recorded Europe’s highest death toll from the outbreak with over 32,000 fatalities, but the government has given the green light for elite sport to return from 1 June. England players are set to return to individual training in the coming weeks and Buttler admitted he has mixed feelings about getting back on the field. “It’s a bit of everything — nerves, excitement and apprehension — but I think it’s a positive step for cricket for players to train,” Buttler, who has played 41 tests for England, added. “As a player, you feel like you’ve had a nice rest and really enjoyed it, it’s been good to have the break and are hopefully feeling refreshed for some cricket.” The ECB hopes to host a three-test series against West Indies in July, possibly behind closed doors and at ‘bio-secure’ venues.