Jos Buttler smashes 41* in 13 balls to power England to 387 vs India

Jos Buttler unleashed a breathtaking late-innings assault to steer England to a commanding 387/3 in the third ODI against India at Lord’s on Sunday. The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 41 from just 13 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries, to power England’s total in the final overs.

How did Buttler change the game?

Buttler walked in at 325/3 in the 47th over and immediately shifted gears. He targeted Gurnoor Brar in the 48th over, smashing two fours and a six to plunder 23 runs. In the 49th over, bowled by Prasidh Krishna, Buttler hit two more sixes and a four, while Joe Root added a boundary. The final over saw Buttler strike another four before finishing with a two to remain unbeaten on 41.

What did Parthiv Patel say about Buttler’s innings?

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, who shared a dressing room with Buttler at Mumbai Indians, hailed the England star’s impact. Patel said, 'Needed someone like Jos Buttler to give that kind of finish that England got. Until the 47th over, India were actually ahead of England in the run chase. Those last three overs changed the game completely.'

Why was Buttler’s knock crucial for England?

Buttler’s late-innings pyrotechnics ensured England posted a formidable total, which proved too much for India. The hosts scored 53 runs in the final 18 balls, turning a competitive chase into a daunting 388-run target. Patel also urged India’s bowlers to learn from the experience, emphasizing the need to finish overs strongly even under pressure.