IND vs ENG: Jos Buttler kick-starts McCullum era with brisk fifty in Kolkata T20I-OxBig News Network

England captain Jos Buttler waged a lone battle with a fighting fifty to kickstart coach Brendon McCullum’s white-ball era during the first T20I against India at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Buttler scored his 26th T20I half-century off just 34 balls after Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy wreaked havoc on the visitors.

India vs England, 1st T20I Updates

Apart from Buttler, Harry Brook was the only other England batter to reach double figures. The Indian bowlers, marshalled by the tactical brilliance of stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, consistently stifled England’s momentum. Suryakumar rotated his bowlers adeptly, ensuring the visitors never settled into a comfortable rhythm.

Arshdeep Singh bowled a superb opening spell to claim two wickets in his first two overs. With those two wickets, Arshdeep went past Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s highest-ever wickettaker in T20Is. Hardik Pandya, though punished early by Buttler, struck in his third over to dismiss Jacob Bethell, denting England’s hopes of posting a formidable total.

In a surprise move during the toss, Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that Mohammed Shami was not part of India’s playing XI with the hosts playing only one specialist pacer in Arshdeep Singh. India then opted to open the bowling with Arshdeep and Hardik Pandya. The decision appeared to pay dividends as the duo kept England under pressure from the outset.