Jos Buttler’s initial international century in three years propelled England to a resounding 56-run triumph over India in Southampton, allowing them to claim the top spot in the T20 world rankings following a flawless 4-0 series sweep. The 35-year-old Buttler, recognized as one of England’s premier white-ball batsmen, showcased remarkable form with eight sixes in a dazzling knock of 131.
Buttler’s second T20 international hundred was part of a record-breaking partnership of 233 with skipper Harry Brook, who contributed an unbeaten 95. The home team amassed 257-3, marking their second-highest total in this format. India’s chances of avoiding a whitewash were slim after the break, with Ishan Kishan’s 56 not enough as they finished at 201-8, with Sam Curran taking 3-36 for England.
The upcoming focus shifts to a three-match one-day international series commencing in Birmingham on Tuesday. This series may mark the conclusion of India’s batting legend Virat Kohli’s campaign in England, who has retired from Test and T20 international cricket. Despite India’s delayed arrival, spectators eager to witness Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were disappointed to learn that the 15-year-old had been omitted.
Buttler’s exceptional performance delighted the crowd, starting with a six over mid-on. Brook got a lifeline on three when Shivam Dube missed a catch, which he capitalized on by hitting consecutive sixes off Prince Yadav. Buttler’s century in 51 balls was punctuated by a six off Axar Patel, ending with a total of 131 before being caught by Iyer at mid-off. Meanwhile, Brook remained unbeaten on 95.
A replacement for Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, contributed with two sixes off Josh Tongue but fell to Curran’s first delivery, scoring 27. India’s Shreyas Iyer and Kishan put on 55 for the third wicket, but Iyer’s dismissal by Liam Dawson and Kishan’s catch by Phil Salt off Adil Rashid dashed India’s hopes of victory. Despite Tilak Varma’s 53, Buttler’s three catches highlighted an outstanding performance as England’s wicketkeeper.