Jos Buttler’s brave innings came to nothing as Sri Lanka fought back to beat England in the second one-day international at Headingley, setting up a series decider at The Oval. England needed 68 from 75 balls to chase 322, and were cruising until Buttler retired hurt on 67 after tweaking a hamstring. England finished on 306-9, losing by 16 runs.
Buttler’s Painful Exit
Earlier in the innings, Buttler had struck five sixes against Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers, which put England back on track after the opening pair fell to 3-14 and the partnership between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett came undone for just 143. With 27 required from 14 deliveries and Buttler on strike, England found themselves needing 19 from the final over. However, he could scarcely move, and was caught at deep mid-wicket. The match concluded with England finishing on 306-9.
What Went Wrong for England
There was plenty to appreciate about the day. Buttler’s early batting was brutal, and the opening stand between Banton and Duckett was impressive, thrashing the bowling at more than seven runs an over. It was disappointing, though, that neither pressed on further — Duckett was bowled for 67 and Banton stumped for 73, both to left-arm spinner Dinuth Wellalage. Joe Root made 15, while captain Harry Brook was pinned in front lbw for one by Wellalage.
More concerning was the lower order. Will Jacks fell for 52 at the non-striker’s end when Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton fell, leaving England short of support when Buttler re-emerged with the match still alive. That aspect must improve before England’s three white-ball series ahead of mid-January.
Sri Lanka’s Comeback
England were lucky that Buttler was suddenly stopped, yet Sri Lanka must be given credit for their seamers employing reverse swing to keep the lower order in check. Their skipper Kusal Mendis played an excellent 122 in their 321-6. Kamindu was similarly in form, while Ahmed claimed 3-49.
The Sri Lankans were no match for their opponents in the 3-0 T20 series loss and were defeated by 89 runs in the opening ODI at Chester-le-Street. That victory, coming after a poor start with the ball, will give the team a major lift in confidence.
The Series Decider
A flat Headingley pitch tested England’s seamers more than Tuesday’s difficult surface in Durham. Josh Tongue struggled for lines, conceding 0-50 in seven overs. Atkinson took 2-55 and Overton took 0-63 from 10, though Overton had another catch dropped in the final over. Atkinson and Overton were England’s best bowling performers.
Brook was philosophical about the loss. “It is always disappointing when you lose,” he said. “Sri Lanka played exceptionally well there, especially the last 10-15 overs. There were plenty of moments in the game we could have been slightly better.”
He also looked forward to the decider. “Tight games are always good games to watch and good games to be a part of,” Brook added. “Having the opportunity to play in a decider will only benefit us.”
What England Need to Fix
- Finish matches — England chased well but fell short in the final over.
- Manage injuries — Buttler’s hamstring issue cost England a player who had been carrying the team.
Sunday marks the end of the international summer, with the clock reading 10:30 BST. England must find the form that got them through the early part of this competition.
Source material: “Buttler injury halts England as Sri Lanka level series,” the BBC.
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