England v Sri Lanka, only T20I - 5 Talking Points

Sri Lanka’s tour of England concluded with yet another defeat as England handed the visitors a massive 8-wicket loss. While the Lankans simply failed to bring their ‘A’ game, the debutantes on show for England were simply outstanding as England went on to cruise to somewhat of an easy victory.

Having been set a target of 140, England’s seasoned pair of Jos Buttler and Eoin Morgan reached the target with little or no issues. While there were many a talking points, here are five of the standout talking points from the only T20 international between England and Sri Lanka.

1. Dawson and Jordan wreck Lankans:

With the England management choosing to give most of the ODI and Test match players a well-deserved break, Chris Jordan was drafted back into the England side. He was joined by debutantes Tymal Mills and Liam Dawson. Anticipating that a spinner would get purchase out of the Sophia Gardens wicket, Morgan brought on Dawson early on in the innings. The slow left-arm spinner impressed as he picked up the important wickets of Gunathilaka, Mendis, and skipper Mathews. He was well supported by Chris Jordan at the other end who in turn concluded with figured of 3/29.

2. Sri Lanka simply don’t have an answer:

As has been the trend for most of this series, the Sri Lankan batsmen simply had no answer to the English bowling onslaught. In spite of some fighting knocks from Gunathilaka (26) and Chandimal (23), the rest of the Lankan batting unit simply failed to show up. What’s worse was the fact that apart from these batsmen, no one crossed the 20-run mark.

3. Buttler stands out yet again:

Jos Buttler was handed a new role on the day. Although he has played as an opener previously in domestic cricket, Buttler impressed in his new opening avatar with a well-compiled 73. The wicketkeeper-batsman also went on to remain unbeaten as England went on to secure a mammoth 8-wicket win. Buttler was also involved in two dismissals behind the stumps.

Stats and records – England v Sri Lanka, 1st T20I – Statistical Highlights

4. Morgan steps up to the plate:

Of late, the cricketing world has been critical of Eoin Morgan. The southpaw might be leading his pack of wolves well, but the very fact that his batting has been somewhat subdued has been a cause of concern for most. However, Morgan put all of this to rest with a wonderful partnership with Jos Buttler. The duo went on to add the runs necessary to seal the win. At the end, the southpaw remained unbeaten on 47 having smashed a boundary and a couple of sixes.

5. Debutantes make a lasting impression:

Tymal Mills and Liam Dawson were the two debutantes on show. While Dawson concluded with an impressive showing with the ball courtesy of the three wickets to his name, Tymal Mills also impressed with his raw pace. Of course, he failed to pick a wicket, but the very fact that they now have a bowler who can clock up to 95 mph is certainly a shot in the arm for the English limited overs’ bowling attack.

Also read – Eng v SL 1st T20I Review: Buttler powers England to crush visitors yet again