JOS BUTTLER displayed his full range of talents and inspired England to the victory that keeps alive their World Cup dreams.
Buttler excelled in all three departments – batting, wicketkeeping and captaincy – in his 100th appearance in a Twenty20 international.
APBen Stokes played his part in the crucial win[/caption]
Sam Curran took two wickets on the way to victoryGetty
He was the principal reason for England’s 20-run win over New Zealand in Brisbane. If they beat Sri Lanka comfortably in their final Super 12s match in Sydney on Saturday, Buttler’s team should make the semi-finals.
The victory put England’s World Cup show back on the road after a humdrum win over Afghanistan, a shock defeat to Ireland and washout against Australia.
Buttler made 73 from 47 balls – although he was dropped twice – and then leapt far to his right to cling onto a legside catch to dismiss Kiwi left-handed opener Devon Conway for just three.
During his innings, Buttler went ten clear of former captain Eoin Morgan’s record total of 2,458 runs in T20 matches for England.
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Buttler then marshalled his bowlers expertly, using six different bowlers in the first seven overs and seven in all.
For a time, Glenn Phillips looked to be powering the Blackcaps towards their target of 180 after he survived one of the dolly drops of all time by Moeen Ali in the covers.
But Chris Woakes and Sam Curran bowled some clever overs at the death and, with England’s all-time greatest catcher Chris Jordan – conveniently on as sub fielder for Liam Livingstone – snaffling two chances at long-on, England won comfortably enough in the end.
Buttler said: “Any time you take on New Zealand, you know you’re in for a tough challenge. To play with freedom and express ourselves in a must-win game after not having played our best so far was very satisfying.
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“I asked the guys to be ready to bowl at different times and everyone has really grown into that. I feel I have many options to throw the ball to. I’m trying to trust my instincts and it’s great when you make a decision and it comes off straight away.
“There’s a fine balance between doing your preparation and looking at stats and feel on the day. So, for example, I came off having batted thinking Moeen should bowl the first over and it seemed to work. I didn’t think that leading into the game.
“My captaincy journey is quite young and I think over time I’ll get even more of a feel for things.”
Group One is likely to come down to net run rate, assuming New Zealand beat Ireland, Australia beat Afghanistan and England beat Sri Lanka in their final matches.
The Kiwis’ run rate is well ahead and England have an advantage of around 50 runs over the Aussies, although it will depend who bats first and who chases a target.
An added twist is that Sri Lanka are now coached by Chris Silverwood, who was sacked by England after last winter’s Ashes thrashing.
PAButtler found his range to top-score on 73[/caption]
GettyKane Williamson claimed to have caught Buttler but had dropped the ball[/caption]
PALiam Livingstone was bowled trying to scoop one over the wicket-keeper[/caption]
Buttler and Alex Hales laid a strong foundation for England with 81 for the first wicket after England won the toss.
On eight, Buttler virtually reached the boundary thinking Kane Williamson had held at catch in the covers but replays showed the ball bobbling from the Kiwi captain’s grasp. He apologised to Buttler immediately although nobody thought he had claimed the catch for certain.
Then, on 40, Daryl Mitchell failed to catch a Buttler pull shot at deep mid-wicket that seemed to swerve in the air.
Buttler did not hit his first boundary until the seventh over but was striking the ball sweetly by the end, showing his low scores in his previous two innings were only a temporary blip.
New Zealand’s two spinners bowled eight overs for just 48 runs on a tricky pitch. Moeen gained turn and caused problems in the opening over and it was immediately clear that England’s total would be difficult to overhaul.
Williamson and Phillips put on 91 for the third wicket and their tempo was increasing. New Zealand needed 67 from the last six overs with eight wickets in hand.
But Williamson was held at short third man, Jimmy Neesham hit his first ball for four but then holed out to Curran at deep mid-wicket and Jordan’s two catches made victory certain.
Williamson admitted: “Jos is one of the best players in the game. You don’t want to be dropping him and, if you do, he’s likely to make you pay.”
APMitchell Santner tried everything to take this catch on the boundary[/caption]
GettyCurran celebrates the wicket of James Neesham at The Gabba[/caption]
PAEngland know they still need to beat Sri Lanka on Saturday[/caption] Read More