Jos Buttler unleashed a masterclass performance at the Ageas Bowl, hammering an unbeaten 131 from just 64 balls to propel England to an 8-wicket demolition of India and seal a comprehensive 4-0 Vitality T20 series whitewash. The century marked a welcome return to form for Buttler, silencing his critics who had been questioning his ability following an 18-match barren spell without breaching 40.
The fireworks lit up by Buttler's innings were part of a record-breaking 233-run partnership with captain Harry Brook, who weighed in with a sizzling 95 not out. This colossal stand eclipsed England's previous T20 high of 182, set by Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan back in 2019, and helped the hosts post an imposing total of 257-3 – their second-highest in this format. Brook's own 50 arrived in a blistering 19 balls, initially outpacing Buttler before he picked up pace to reach his century.
India's chase of an almost impossible 258 for victory was marked by resistance from Ishan Kishan (56) and Tilak Varma (53), but England's bowlers maintained the heat, with Sam Curran leading the charge, taking 3-36. The tourists ultimately fell short, finishing on 201-8 – a distant second to their target.
Buttler's day didn't end there; he also took three catches behind the stumps in a memorable afternoon that will have left fans beaming with pride. England's dominance in white-ball cricket is now clearer than ever, and they'll ascend to the top of the T20 world rankings as a result. Buttler's resurgence, particularly pleasing after 24 months without scoring a half-century for England in white-ball cricket, reasserts his status as one of the world's top batters.
The spotlight now turns to the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, which kicks off at Edgbaston on Tuesday. England will be looking to transfer this momentum into the longer format and continue their scorching summer schedule in style.