Jos Buttler Stunned by Prince Yadav’s First‑Ball Surprise at Trent Bridge
**Jos Buttler** was caught off guard by Prince Yadav’s first ball on 7 July 2026 at Trent Bridge, a delivery that sparked a turning point in the 3rd T20I between India and England.
In the 12th over of India’s chase, Yadav, making his debut for the side, bowled a slower‑ball yorker that slipped past Buttler’s bat and crashed into the stumps. The wicket fell on the very first ball of his spell, leaving England 2‑1 down in the series. The dismissal came just after England had posted 165/6, a total that seemed defendable until the surprise breakthrough.
Buttler’s wicket triggered a mini‑collapse. England lost two more wickets in the next three overs, dropping to 112/8. India’s run‑rate surged from 7.5 to 9.2 runs per over, and they eventually chased down the target with five balls to spare, finishing on 166/4. The win gave India a 2‑1 series lead and highlighted the impact a debutant can have in a high‑pressure game.
The dismissal adds another low‑score finish to Buttler’s recent T20I record. Over the past six months, he has been dismissed for a single‑digit score three times, raising questions about his ability to anchor the innings under pressure. Critics point to the need for a more aggressive approach in the powerplay, while teammates argue that his experience still makes him England’s most reliable finisher.
England will regroup ahead of the final T20I scheduled for 10 July at Lord’s. Coach Matthew Mott is expected to shuffle the batting order, possibly promoting Harry Brook to open alongside Jos. The team will also look to tighten the middle‑order strategy, ensuring that a single wicket does not trigger a rapid loss of momentum.
Yadav earned his call‑up after a standout IPL season where he claimed 22 wickets at an economy of 7.1. His ability to vary pace and deliver pinpoint yorkers made him a tempting option for the Indian selectors. The debut wicket against a world‑class keeper‑batsman like Buttler validates the gamble and could see him become a regular feature in India’s limited‑overs squads.
India now needs just one win from the remaining two matches to clinch the series. The psychological edge gained from dismissing England’s captain early could prove decisive. England, on the other hand, must find a way to protect Buttler and rebuild confidence in the lower order if they hope to level the series.
The next match promises high stakes, with both sides aware that a single over can change the narrative. For Buttler, the focus will be on shaking off the disappointment and delivering a match‑winning knock when it matters most.