Jos Buttler fireworks take England to series victory

The wicketkeeper struck an unbeaten 77, ending the game with an enormous straight six, having nailed down his berth at the top of England's T20I order

Jos Buttler inspired England to a series-clinching victory for England over Australia in the second T20I at the Ageas Bowl.

The wicketkeeper struck an unbeaten 77, ending the game with an enormous straight six, having opened the batting. Since moving to the top of the order during the Indian Premier League in 2018 with Rajasthan Royals, he has hit 15 half centuries in 33 innings at an average of 47.13.

He was assisted by Dawid Malan, whose fine form in T20Is continued in making 42, before a cameo from Moeen Ali removed any suggestion that England might collapse late on in the same manner as Australia on Friday evening.

With England needing 18 to win off the final two overs, Moeen struck Adam Zampa for six over long-off and then four through wide extra cover to all but see England home.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia found themselves in trouble immediately. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood began with rapid spells; David Warner edged behind to the third ball of the match, before Alex Carey did similar in the second over.

^{England have won a T20I series against Australia for the first time}

When Eoin Morgan ran out Steve Smith at the end of the fifth over, the tourists were 30 for 3. There was a brief scare for the England captain when he appeared to dislocate the ring finger on his right hand, but he returned to the field shortly afterwards.

When Aaron Finch dragged on off a rising delivery from Chris Jordan, England were in charge, with Marcus Stoinis edging Adil Rashid to slip shortly afterwards.

Glenn Maxwell and Ashton Agar dragged the visitors to 157 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs – a competitive total until Buttler got into his groove.

Jos Buttler leads England to victory after Jofra Archer and Mark Wood unleash... ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA TALKING POINTS

England’s powerplay was quiet by their gung-ho standards, and Jonny Bairstow fell shortly after he appeared to have found his range. His dismissal was unusual, hitting his own stumps in the follow-through from a pull shot off Mitchell Starc.

But Buttler and Malan added 87 for the second wicket. After Malan was caught at deep midwicket for 42, Tom Banton and Morgan both followed cheaply. But just as the door wobbled ajar for Australia, Moeen took the attack to Adam Zampa’s 19th over, with Buttler – fittingly – depositing the final blow.

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