In a remarkable feat during the first T20I against India at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, England captain Jos Buttler achieved a significant milestone by completing 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. The 34-year-old played a captain’s knock, scoring 68 runs off 44 balls, showcasing his class even as other England batters struggled to get going.
Jos Buttler’s Milestone
Buttler needed 33 runs to join the elite club of T20 run-scorers and reached the landmark in style. He now stands alongside legends like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Kieron Pollard, and others who have scored over 12,000 runs in the shortest format of the game.
- Fastest to 12,000 T20 Runs:
- Chris Gayle: 343 matches
- Virat Kohli: 354 matches
- David Warner: 360 matches
- Jos Buttler: Fourth fastest
Buttler also became the second England player after Alex Hales to reach this milestone, surpassing Hales as the fastest English cricketer to achieve the feat.
Match Recap: India vs England, 1st T20I
England managed to post a modest total of 132 runs in their 20 overs after a stellar performance by the Indian spinners. Buttler led from the front but lacked support from the other batters.
Key Performances:
- England Batting:
- Jos Buttler: 68 off 44
- Rest of the team: Struggled against India’s spinners
- India’s Bowling:
- Varun Chakravarthy: 3 wickets
- Axar Patel: 2 wickets
- Arshdeep Singh: 2 wickets
Turning Point:
Buttler’s innings ended when he tried to hit Varun Chakravarthy for a six but was caught brilliantly by Nitish Kumar Reddy, leaving England’s middle order exposed.
What Lies Ahead?
England’s batting struggles, especially against spin, have raised concerns. The team will need to address this vulnerability before the next match. Meanwhile, India will look to build on their dominance with spinners leading the charge.
Fun Fact: Buttler’s achievement cements his legacy as one of the finest T20 players of all time, joining an illustrious group of cricketers who have redefined the format.
