Jos Buttler and Alex Hales spoiled the party for the Indian fans who were hoping for another India-Pakistan clash, in the final, as the England openers hammered 170 runs in the chase in Adelaide to take their side through to the final.
Man of the Match Alex Hales scored 86* off 47 balls and skipper Jos Buttler scored 80* off 49 balls, this will haunt the Indian fans for a long time, having only recently recovered from the 152/0 loss to Pakistan in last year’s T20 WC in Dubai.
Amid the carnage by Buttler and Hales, there was an interesting bit of incident that happened and caught the attention of everyone. Soon it became a funny thing to talk about.
Rohit Sharma called up off-spinner R Ashwin to bowl in the 7th over, as soon as powerplay field restrictions were lifted. When Alex Hales was on strike, the non-striker Jos Buttler was way inside the bowling crease.
The camera showed Buttler as much behind as in line with the stumps when Ashwin started his run-up and well behind when Ashwin delivered the ball to Hales. Ashwin and Buttler have a history: Ashwin had run Buttler out while backing up too far during an IPL game three years ago, and this has been a talking point in recent months as well. Buttler showed good caution here to stay inside the crease until the ball has been released.
Rajasthan Royals’ funny take on Buttler-Ashwin
The images went viral and even the Rajasthan Royals Twitter handle posted it with the caption: “𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬”. Both Buttler and R Ashwin played in the IPL 2022 for RR and reached the final.
𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬 pic.twitter.com/gnrIDHv1uH
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 10, 2022
England’s supporters’ fan acoount, The Barmy Army, also tweeted on this incident: “Jos playing it safe.”
Jos playing it safe. pic.twitter.com/cQSLdRG9Q3
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) November 10, 2022
Jos Buttler lauded Alex Hales for his blistering knock. Hales has the experience of playing at this venue in the BBL, and he made full use of it by playing the ground dimensions smartly.
“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,” Buttler said.
“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,” he added.
