England skipper Jos Buttler hailed the character of the team after they defeated India comprehensively by 10 wickets in the second semi-final at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. The Three Lions had lost to Ireland in the Super 12 stage by five runs (DLS method) but bounced back in style after that defeat.
England did well to restrict India to 168-6 after Buttler won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Men in Blue was put under pressure after KL Rahul was dismissed cheaply. India could only manage 38 runs in the PowerPlay overs and once again drifted away from their plan of playing aggressively in the first six overs of the innings.
On the other hand, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales took the attack to the Indian bowlers from the get-go and played some breathtaking shots. England scored 63 runs in the PowerPlay overs and the openers kept attacking even after the first six overs.
Hales went on to score a fine knock of 86 runs off just 47 balls while Buttler contributed with 80 runs off just 49 balls. It was pure carnage from the England openers as they took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners. India’s bowling unit didn’t have any spark as they could not hit the right areas.
Jos Buttler said in the post-match presentation, “I think the character we have shown since then (England’s loss against Ireland) – it has been amazing. We came here very excited, there was a very good feeling. Everyone from 1 to 11 – stood up today. We always want to start fast and aggressive. Rashid was batting at 11, that’s incredible to know that we have such depth. Hales used the dimensions well and he has shown his form. He was brilliant today. It’s important to enjoy this, it was a brilliant performance from us. I think we need to give special credit to Jordan, to bowl 3 overs at the death coming into the semi-final, it was a tough job. He handled the pressure towards the end pretty well, especially bowling against a world class player like Hardik Pandya.”
On the other hand, Alex Hales was awarded the Player of the Match for his blistering batting. Hales batted at his absolute best and he played at the top of his game to deliver for the team.
Hales said after the game, “It will be right up there for sure (referring to a perfect innings). The huge occasion, India in a semifinal of a World Cup, really happy with the way I played and it is as special as it gets. This is one of the best grounds to bat in, especially in the powerplay, a really good surface and great value for good cricket shots, this is a ground I have good memories of, and enjoy batting here. I never thought I would play in a World Cup again, so to get the chance is a very special feeling, in a country (Australia) that I love and spend a lot of time in, tonight is one of the best nights of my career. Jos was unbelievable.”
England will take on Pakistan at the iconic MCG on Sunday in the final.
