Buttler and Rashid shine in England’s T20 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.
Discussing his role as the team’s main slow bowler, the leg-spinner said: “It’s been like that for a fair few years now. I don’t think like that whatsoever because we definitely don’t put that on us lot as a squad or a team.
“We all know we’ve got 11 matchwinners, whoever’s bowling are all match-winners.
“There’s no one set person that is down to do the job, it’s a collective thing and we’re all backing each other in whatever we do.
“It’s not just a matter of spin or seam, it’s the whole bowling unit. It’s definitely the bowling unit that’s going to win the game as opposed to just maybe seam or spin, it’s definitely a collective thing.
“Whatever the final XI is (whether England select Moeen or Livingstone, or both all-rounders), whatever they decide to go with, seam or spin, we’ll all try our best to support each other.”
Rashid’s introduction into the bowling attack on Wednesday turned the tide after Buttler had ushered England to 163 for six against the Kiwis.
But concerns persist over the form of Eoin Morgan, who returned to the line-up after sitting out Monday’s warm-up defeat to India and made just 10.
He did get a debatable lbw decision after a reverse sweep attempt off Ish Sodhi, who had earlier accounted for Dawid Malan in identical fashion. Malan’s suitability for batting in the powerplay was again placed under scrutiny after he used 15 balls in his 11 but, barring a last-minute switch, he will retain his place against the Windies.
New Zealand got off to a flyer in response courtesy of Guptill’s 41 off 20 balls, but he perished in the deep after attempting a second successive six off Rashid, who also snared Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner.
Left-arm quick Tymal Mills was wicketless in his first England appearance in more than four years but was economical, while fellow fast bowler Mark Wood pushed his case for selection with an eye-catching four for 23.
A stubborn last-wicket partnership of 47 between tail-enders Sodhi and Todd Astle gave New Zealand a brief glimmer of hope until the latter was bowled by Chris Woakes as the Black Caps were all out for 150 in 19.2 overs.
Rashid said: “It’s always nice to get the win, even if it is only a practice game, it’s good to get into a winning habit.
“For a lot of people here this is the first time playing a game or second game for such a long time.
“It’s always nice to get out here, have match practice and we’re definitely confident if we stick to our strengths, stick to what we know, we’ll do well.”
Rashid nursed a shoulder injury throughout England’s 50-over World Cup win two years ago, a problem that lingered for a long time, but he said: “It’s all good. I’ve got to make sure I’m fit and maintain it and look after it.”
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Yorkshireman added: “We’re confident, it’s a big game, but I’m sure we’ll be relaxed, we’ll be focused and go out there and try our best to go out there and win a game.”