Jos Buttler helps England to beat Australia in 2nd T20I

SOUTHAMPTON: Jos Buttler's dominant 77 runs helped England beat Australia by 6 wickets in the second T20 International at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton on Sunday. England now take 2-0 inaccessible lead in three-match T20 series. The third and final T20 match of the series will take place on Tuesday.

Chasing 158 to win, the hosts reached the target in 18.5 overs losing 4 wickets. In-form keeper Buttler remained unbeaten at 77 off 54 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Dawid Malan (42) put on 87 runs with his for the second wicket.

Earlier, England's bowlers showed discipline and skill to restrict Australia to 157/7 in 20 overs.

Paceman Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, returning figures of 2/40 but it was a team effort really as Jofra Archer (1/31) and Mark Wood (1/25) bowled superbly to never let the Aussies get the better of them.

For the visitors, skipper Aaron Finch top-scored with a 33-ball 40, with his innings laced with four fours and two sixes.

Marcus Stoinis also looked good for his 35 and Glenn Maxwell made 25 but all three batsmen were removed just when they looked to get going.

David Warner was the first to go as he was caught behind by Jos Buttler off Archer.

Alex Cary, promoted up the order, was out in similar fashion to Wood as Steve Smith also failed with the bat, managing just 10 as he was run out by England captain Eoin Morgan.

The Aussies were 89/5 at one stage before the likes of Stoinis, Maxwell and Ashton Agar (23) steadied the ship with Pat Cummins (13 not out) also chipping in.

Brief scores: Australia 157/7 (Aaron Finch 40; Chris Jordan 2/40) lost to England 158/4 in 18.5 overs ( Jos Buttler 77, Dawid Malan 42, Moeen Ali 13no, Aston Agar 2/27). Agencies

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