Buttler stars in England’s warm-up win

JOS Buttler and Adil Rashid starred in England’s final warm-up before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign this weekend as they defeated New Zealand by 13 runs in Abu Dhabi.

Buttler’s 73 from 51 balls contained 11 fours and two sixes, just three days before England’s tournament opener against the West Indies, while there were pleasing cameos from Jonny Bairstow (30) and Sam Billings (27 not out).

England’s 163 for six looked to be in peril as Martin Guptill crashed two sixes in the first over of the chase, but Rashid’s introduction turned the tide and his three for 18 helped to skittle New Zealand for 150 in 19.2 overs.

Left-arm quick Tymal Mills, who was back in an England shirt for the first time in four years, was wicketless but economical in conceding 23 runs in his four overs in this 12-a-side contest, while fellow fast bowler Mark Wood pushed his case for selection on Saturday with four for 23 at the Tolerance Oval.

Eoin Morgan returned to the side after sitting out Monday’s practice defeat against India and his lean run of form continued as he made 10 before receiving a debatable lbw decision after trying a reverse sweep off Ish Sodhi.

Dawid Malan had earlier departed in identical fashion and concerns persist over whether he is suited to batting in the powerplay after chewing up 15 balls in reaching 11, but England did not get too bogged down thanks to Buttler.

After Jason Roy was bowled round his legs first-ball by Tim Southee, Buttler got to work with some pleasing drives through the offside and an audacious ramp for six that has become his trademark off Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson.

Buttler brought up a 39-ball 50 and continued to pepper the boundary rope before holing out to Kyle Jamieson at long on as he attempted a second six in the over off Sodhi.

Liam Livingstone added just one, having been passed fit after a finger scare in the defeat to India.