England skipper praises Rashid’s game-changing spell and Archer’s comeback as the visitors secure a 26-run victory in the third T20I.
Rajkot (Gujarat), January 29: England skipper Jos Buttler reiterated his admiration for leg-spinner Adil Rashid, branding him England’s “most important player” after his impactful performance in the third T20I against India. Rashid’s precise bowling on Rajkot’s sluggish track played a pivotal role in England’s 26-run victory, keeping the five-match series alive at 2-1.
Seven months ago, when England defeated the West Indies in the T20 World Cup’s Super 8 phase, Buttler had highlighted Rashid’s significance despite explosive batting displays from Philip Salt and Jonny Bairstow. On Tuesday, Rashid once again emerged as a silent enforcer, conceding just 15 runs in his four-over spell at an economy of 3.80.
“Adil – he’s the most important player in our team. So many variations, so many different styles of bowling; we’re fortunate to have him,” Buttler said during the post-match presentation.
Rashid’s Game-Changing Delivery
Rashid’s standout moment came when he bowled a ripper to dismiss in-form Tilak Varma, halting India’s chase. While Rashid only claimed one wicket, his miserly spell restricted India’s momentum, proving vital in defending England’s total of 170 runs.
Archer’s Redemption and Duckett’s Fireworks
On the pace front, Jofra Archer bounced back brilliantly after conceding his most expensive T20 spell in Chennai. Archer troubled Indian batters with his pace and precision, dismissing Sanju Samson with a well-directed short ball and later removing Axar Patel with a crucial full toss.
“Jofra – don’t need to talk much about him – he’s a superstar, incredibly consistent. If he goes for 60, you know he’ll come back well,” Buttler said, lauding the pacer’s resilience.
Meanwhile, Ben Duckett was the highlight of England’s batting. Opening alongside Buttler, Duckett showcased his wide range of shots to exploit the powerplay effectively. His brisk 51 off 28 balls set the foundation for England’s competitive total.
“Ben Duckett is a difficult guy to stop, and that’s why we felt he could do a job for us at the top. He played beautifully on what was a sticky pitch,” Buttler added.
Series Poised for Exciting Finish
With the series now at 2-1, England will aim to maintain their momentum and level the contest in the fourth T20I, scheduled for Friday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.