WE GOT OUR JOS DESERTS

Buttler: Thrashing was deserved

ENGLAND’S T20 players rallied around Jos Buttler after they were humbled again by India.

The country’s new skipper suffered a second successive defeat as the tourists cruised to a comfortable 49-run victory – setting up a series whitewash if they can make it a treble at Trent Bridge today.

Buttler has spoken of his admiration for ‘Bazball’ – the aggressive approach of new Test coach Brendon Mccullum and captain Ben Stokes – but two flops on home soil have raised questions if it is the right plan.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali said: “The discussions we have are to keep backing ourselves. It’s going to take time. We’ve got some new players in the side. We don’t want to keep losing, but Jos is cool with it.”

There were some highlights – debutant Richard Gleeson ripped out India’s top order and Chris Jordan bagged four wickets – but the only aim now for Buttler will be to avoid another loss today.

He said: “I’m very disappointed – but we didn’t play anywhere near well enough to win so we got what we deserved. We don’t have much time to reflect but we will consider what we’ve got for the next one.”

Surprise

Gleeson was a surprise callup but he struck with his fifth ball as Rohit Sharma topedged and Buttler took a superb running catch – before claiming another two wickets in as many

balls.

Dawid Malan clung on to a stunning effort after Virat Kohli skied one – and when the rightarmer had Rishabh Pant caught behind it was game on.

Jordan then grabbed two of his own and England were in the driving seat.

However, Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 46 held the innings together as the Indians posted a competitive 170-8. In reply Jason Roy edged the first ball to slip, Buttler soon followed caught behind and Liam Livingstone’s attempt to blast his side’s way out of trouble ended prematurely when he was castled by Jasprit Bumrah.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal deceived Harry Brook into lofting to long-off – and when Malan was out reverse-sweeping, the writing was on the wall.

Moeen tried to orchestrate a fightback but holed out for 35.

Jordan was run out off the first ball he faced after a mix-up and only an unbeaten cameo from David Willey (33) gave the scoreboard any respectability.