ENG Vs AUS, 2018: Games Like These Are Pretty Enjoyable, Says Jos Buttler

Despite being tested for the very first time in the series, England registered a sensational victory while coming from behind against Australia in the fifth and the final One-day International – to clinch the series by a 5-0 margin. Jos Buttler produced a master-class which eventually helped England chase the moderate total down despite a horrendous start.

Earlier in the day, Australia was restricted a to a moderate total of 205. Promising spinner Moeen Ali proved to be the wrecker-in-chief for the home team.

After batting first Australia began pretty well with openers Aaron Finch and Travis Head played some exquisite shots early on. The duo got Australia off to a flying start as they managed to race off to 60 in the seventh.

However, the wicket of dangerous Finch put a break on the visitors. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals from there on, as the England bowlers applied the pressure on them.

Alex Carey scored 44 and D’Arcy Short contributed with 47 in the end as the visitors were skittled out for just 205 runs in the 35^th over.

With the sort of run-rate they were maintaining, it was a pretty below par score. The English bowlers were spectacular and proved their worth yet again.

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England lost their first four wickets in a hurry. Ashton Agar castled Jason Roy in the very first over. However, it was Billy Stanlake, who put Australia ahead with three quick wickets.

England was reduced to 27 for four and faced a tumultuous situation. From there on, Buttler took on the onus on himself to change the game around. He went on to remain unbeaten during his tremendous knock and helped the Three Lions chase the total down in the penultimate over.

After the fall of the eighth wicket, the match looked in the grasp of Australia. However, Buttler played quite brilliantly and ensured England to complete a 5-0 whitewash. He eventually remained unbeaten on 110 of 122 deliveries which sealed the deal for England.

Courtesy his heroics in the series, Buttler was adjudged the Man of the Match and the Man of the Series respectively.

Now, let us have a look at what Jos Buttler said at the post-match presentation:

“We were determined to win 5-0. We bowled fantastically well. Didn’t quite click with the bat. But games like that, to win them is even more enjoyable. Just needed a partnership. One of our great strengths is the depth in the batting. Adil Rashid at ten is handy. I did say (to Ball) “if it’s two we’ll run, if it’s one we won’t” and then charged out, so that wasn’t ideal. Great guts from Ball too to soak up that pressure. I don’t think I’ve played better. It’s enjoyable,” Buttler said.

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