Buttler’s masterclass helps England whitewash Australia

Manchester, June 24: Jos Buttler's scintillating unbeaten century helped England whitewash Australia 5-0 as the hosts pipped the visitors by one wicket in the final match of the series at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground here on Sunday.

England made a heavy weather of a paltry 206-run target but it was Buttler's heroics which snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

The England wicket-keeper remained unbeaten on 110 runs off 122 deliveries.

Buttler arrived at the crease when the hosts were reeling at 27/4 after 7.4 overs as some disciplined Australian bowling shattered the English top-order.

However, Buttler slowly and steadily built his innings and was also involved in a 81-run partnership with tailender Adil Rashid (20 off 47) for the ninth wicket.

Buttler, who single-handedly took England home with meagre contributions from other batsmen, smashed 12 boundaries and one hit into the stands.

Brief scores: England 208/9 (Jos Buttler 110 not out, Alex Hales 20; Alex Hales 3/35) beat Australia 205 (Travis Head 56, D Arcy Short 47; Moeen Ali 4/46). IANS