• England wrap up series over Australia

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    An unbeaten 77 by opener Jos Buttler guided England to a dominant six-wicket victory over Australia on Sunday as they wrapped up the T20 series in Southampton.

    Having secured a remarkable comeback victory over the Aussies on Friday night, Eoin Morgan’s men were far too good for the Australians on a slowish pitch at the Ageas Bowl.

    Visiting skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bat first – a decision that didn’t work out well after Australia slumped to 30-3 with David Warner, Alex Carey and Steve Smith all departing fairly cheaply.

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    Finch battled hard for his 40 but he chopped a Chris Jordan delivery onto his own stumps before Marcus Stones was sent packing the very next over.

    Glen Maxwell and Ashton Agar consolidated the innings somewhat but in the end Australia could only post 157-7 in their 20 overs.

    In response England lost Jonny Bairstow for only nine but never looked in real danger as an 87-run stand between Buttler and Dawid Malan edged the hosts closer to victory.

    But, the wickets of Malan and Tom Banton in quick succession off the bowling of Agar brought some hope into the Aussie camp.

    Adam Zampa then accounted for Morgan’s wicket as England required 17 runs from the final two overs.

    A six, followed by a four off the bat of Moeen Ali put England in front before Buttler struck the winning runs with a huge six off Zampa to get his team over the line.

    England will take an unassailable 2-0 series lead into the final T20I on Tuesday.

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    Andre Huisamen