England’s skipper commends debutants and aggressive gameplay in a nail-biting second T20I against India at Chepauk.
Chennai, January 26: England captain Jos Buttler lauded Tilak Varma’s exceptional innings that guided India to a thrilling two-wicket victory in the second T20I at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite the loss, Buttler expressed satisfaction with England’s debutants and their aggressive approach in the game.
Tilak’s Masterclass Under Pressure
The match showcased a fierce contest, with England giving the reigning T20 World Cup champions a tough challenge. Debutant Brydon Carse nearly stole the show with his fiery spell, but Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 72 proved insurmountable.
Tilak’s calculated aggression and ability to pick the right moments to attack stood out. His decisive assault on Jofra Archer in the 16th over highlighted his strategic approach, ultimately ensuring India edged past England’s target of 166 with just two wickets to spare.
“Great game. Really exciting end. Credit to Tilak for getting them over the line,” Buttler remarked during the post-match presentation.
England’s Promising Display
Though the 166-run target seemed modest for Chepauk’s high-scoring history, England’s bowlers turned it into a gripping contest. Jamie Smith impressed on his debut with a confident batting display, while Carse’s blistering pace rattled India’s middle order, claiming key wickets like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.
Buttler praised his team’s aggression and resilience, noting that their efforts pushed India to their limits.
“We created a lot of chances and really pushed them close. Really pleased with the way we went about with the bat. There was the aggression we asked for, nearly a defendable score,” Buttler said.
Debutants Shine Despite Defeat
England’s skipper highlighted the performances of debutants Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. Smith’s attacking mindset with the bat and Carse’s fiery spell were bright spots in the game.
“Jamie Smith on debut, playing the way he did, Brydon Carse and the guys creating chances with the ball. We will improve on it all, but happy with the style,” Buttler added.
Looking Ahead
Despite trailing 2-0 in the series, Buttler maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that his team will learn and improve. The captain acknowledged India’s strength in deploying spinners and remained confident in England’s ability to adapt and bounce back.
“They are going to play three spinners, so they are going to take wickets. If we take them for runs, I am happy,” Buttler concluded.
The two sides will face off in the third T20I as England looks to keep the series alive and India aims to seal their dominance.