Reaping rewards of a long journey with few changes over the years: Jos Buttler

MELBOURNE: After captaining England to their second Men's T20 World Cup triumph in his first major tournament as the captain, Jos Buttler credited the victory to the side enjoying the rewards of a long journey with some changes over the years.

England's white-ball revolution in 2015 culminated in Eoin Morgan winning the 2019 ODI World Cup at home. But that has now converted into absolute domination with Buttler now carrying that legacy successfully with a five-wicket win over Pakistan at the MCG.

The win also makes England the first team in history of men's international cricket to hold both 50-over and 20-over World Cups at the same time, and unarguably the best white-ball side in the world.

"To be able to win the T20 World Cup, I'm just immensely proud of everyone here. It's been a long journey with a few changes over the years and we're reaping the rewards. It has been a fantastic tournament. This felt a long way off after the Ireland game but the character we showed after that in must-win games has been amazing," said Buttler in the post-match presentation ceremony.

In the chase, England lost three wickets, including captain Buttler, in the power-play. But Ben Stokes showed calmness and poise in his typical gritty style to slam an unbeaten 52 off 49 balls, also his first T20I fifty, to take England over the line with an over to spare.

"We managed to get away to a start which controlled the run-rate and we bat deep as well. It wasn't easy at all, got away to a decent start which controlled the run-rate, and that man Ben Stokes was there at the end."

"He's the ultimate competitor. In anything he does, a hell of a lot of experience to bank on, he timed it perfectly the impetus he and Moeen had took it away from Pakistan."

"Adil's over was outstanding for us and in the last three games as well. He's always the guy we throw the ball to take something happen. When you hit the right length there was a little bit of movement and they were obviously bowling at a good pace, not easy at all," elaborated the right-hander. IANS

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