Jos Buttler reveals doubts during key England innings: "If I don't score runs I'm probably playing my last game"

The Lancashire wicket-keeper botched three chances behind the stumps but put that behind him to score a vital 75 as the hosts chased 277 to beat Pakistan

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England's Jos Buttler believed he was fighting for his Test future while compiling a key innings in the win over Pakistan at Emirates Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old struck 75 and put on 139 for the sixth wicket with Chris Woakes (84 not out) as the hosts chased down 277 to win the first Test on day four.

Buttler had endured a nightmare match behind the stumps, dropping Shan Masood and Yasir Shah, as well as missing a chance to stump Pakistan's first innings centurion.

Such a display coupled with a batting career which has only produced a single century - a far cry from his white-ball performances - has led to added scrutiny on the Lancashire 'keeper, with Surrey's Ben Foakes waiting in the wings.

And Buttler admits he was concerned his place was up for grabs during his innings.

"I'm quite proud," he told Sky Sports. "If I'd taken those chances we would have won two hours ago. 

"I'm very aware I didn't keep well, missing chances and at this level, you can't afford to do that no matter how many runs you score. You've got to do better than that.

"Thoughts go through your head that if I don't score runs I'm probably playing my last game. 

"Those kinds of things are in your head but you've got to try and shut them out and play for the here and now and play the situation and I am pleased that I was able to do that."

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