England have recorded an eight-run victory over Australia in the opening T20 international in Perth on Sunday.
Jos Buttler's side are competing in the three-match series to conclude their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, and the England skipper will be delighted with his team's performance as well as his own.
After sitting out the recent series with Pakistan through injury, Buttler returned to make a swashbuckling 68 runs from 32 balls in an imperious 132-run opening stand with Alex Hales.
Buttler's teammate outshone him with the bat, contributing 84 from 51 deliveries, to set England on their way before wickets started to tumble with regularity.
However, Chris Woakes got his team to 208-6 with 13 from five balls to conclude the innings, and that ultimately proved to be pivotal.
This is some final over from Sam Curran! 🔥🔥#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/VkeAiq2GcG
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) October 9, 2022
Although Reece Topley dismissed Cameron Green for just one, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh proceed to put on 85 for the second wicket before the latter lost his wicket for 36.
While Aaron Finch (12) quickly followed, Australia seemed in control of the game when Marcus Stoinis powered to 35 from 15 balls, putting the hosts inside the run-rate.
Nevertheless, the return of Mark Wood proved key, the pace bowler taking two wickets in quick succession, including that of Stoinis, to swing the contest in the tourists' favour.
Warner made 73 before losing his wicket during the closing stages and despite Matthew Wade keeping the score ticking along with 21 from 15, he was left with too much to do as Sam Curran got England over the line with two wickets in the final over, Australia falling eight runs short of their target.
As well as Wood posting figures of 3-34, Curran and Topley contributed 2-35 and 2-36 respectively, strengthening their bids to retain a place in the side for the upcoming major tournament.
Darren Plant
