Jos Buttler hailed “an absolutely fantastic performance” from his England side, following their eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in their first T20 International at Kensington Oval.
“I’m delighted for the guys,” the England captain said, after a victory that briefly arrested the negativity around English white ball cricket.
England’s victory was one made in the Caribbean, as two of their players with Barbadian roots carried them home. Phil Salt’s (103*) and Jacob Bethell’s (58*) unbroken 107 run partnership saw them cruise to a record breaking T20 International run chase at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval.
“This is probably the place I’m happiest,” said Player of the Match Salt. “I enjoy batting here. I’ve grown up on these surfaces.”
The West Indies though were made to rue some ill placed batting aggression, which saw them slump to 117 – 8, before a lower order rally allowed them to post 182 – 9.
However, their captain Rovman Powell doubled down on his support for the side, suggesting they will continue to play in a similar vain for the rest of the series.
“We have highlighted the way we want to play,” he said. “In the bad times we have to keep backing ourselves.”
