Jos Buttler conducted England to a comfortable win over Australia by smacking an unbeaten 77 to win the series
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Eoin Morgan confirms that he dislocated a thumb , not that it stopped him batting. Or fielding, apart from one over. Morgan can’t fault “any facet” of England’s performance, which may be a relief to Tom Banton. He causes recognition to Jofra, who “set the tone”, as well as to Buttler.
You might belief the arguing over Buttler’s place in the order was now agreed, but Morgan doesn’t clanged so sure. “We’ll look at the options.” I think he’s right about that. If Banton is to stay in the team, he has to open; at No. 4, he’s not even close to Joe Root. But Jason Roy may be fit again soon to keep both of them out.
5.55 pm BST
That 77 not out is Buttler’s career-best in T20 internationals, to go with his Test-best 152 against Pakistan. His average as a T20i opener is now a Malan-like 51. His innings was about more than stats, though. On a risky wicket, on which nobody else transferred 42, he frisked safe enough to bat through, and didn’t mind being second fiddle to Malan for a bit, yet he still rocked along at a strike rate of 142. If he hadn’t already been one of Wisden’s Five Cricketer of the Year, he would be a sure thing for 2021.
Read more: theguardian.com
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