Jos Buttler has kept Rajasthan Royals alive in the playoff race with his explosive batting which has been setting the stage for the Rahane-led team. This could become problematic for the Royals to replace someone like Buttler as the English batsman has been given a surprise return to the England’s squad.

Buttler has been recalled to England’s Test squad ahead of the team’s first match of a two-Test series, schedule to start from May 24. Dom Bess has also earned his maiden national call-up in the 12-men squad.

The 27-year-old last featured in a red-ball game for England back in 2016, during England's tour of India. He has smashed five back-to-back fifties recently for the Rajasthan-based franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ed Smith, who replaced James Whitaker as national selector back in April, announced the first-ever squad selected by him, on Tuesday.

“Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England's white ball teams,” said Smith. “The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven. Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team.”

Jos Buttler has not played first-class cricket since the end of last season for Lancashire, when he had averaged 17.16 in four appearances,

Although Buttler has enjoyed massive success after being promoted to the opening slot at Rajasthan Royals, he will bat at seven for England at Lord’s next week. Moreover, Jonny Bairstow – another keeper-batsman who replaced Buttler in the Test team nearly two years ago – will keep the gloves as wicketkeeper.

On the other hand, James Vince has been dropped from the team after a series of bad performances during England’s away series losses to Australia and New Zealand.

England also decided against recalling Moeen Ali and named Dominic Bess in place of an injured Jack Leach. Bess, a 20-year-old has been playing for Somerset in county cricket.

“Dom Bess has made an excellent start to his first-class career,” said Smith. “With Jack Leach missing out due to injury, the selection panel wanted to invest opportunity in a young spin bowler. Dom's strong form, character and all-round abilities presented a compelling case for selection.”