If the success of a captain is to groom his successors, then England’s eight-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the final one-day international was a resounding example of how well Eoin Morgan has been able to lead the team.
Morgan was a late withdrawal due to a tight groin. However, Jos Buttler, who scored a vital half-century, said England was well-placed to cope with his absence. He was also able to show a smile after lofting a straight six.
In partnership with Roy, Buttler made 86 not out to help England chase down the target with 19.5 overs to spare. He hit several impressive shots during his stay at the crease. Off-spinner Aryan Dutt dropped short, and Buttler was able to beat him for a six and a four.
Off-spinner Paul van Meekeren tried to slow the ball down, but it went past his outside edge and hit him over mid-on for six. It was a fantastic shot that caught the attention of the crowd at the airport.
Buttler was faced with a free hit next ball, and he took advantage of the opportunity by crashing van Meekeren down the ground.
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England under Buttler’s impressive performance
The 31-year-old Buttler was thrilled to be named as Morgan’s replacement. He admitted that it was a different challenge, and he had to work on developing his own style. Buttler said that he was still learning about what it takes to be a leader.
“I find it’s a different challenge, of course. I’ve got to work that out. It’s too early to have a style. I’ve got to try to be myself. I can’t try to be him, and just open to learning about it, really,” said Buttler.
Under Buttler, England’s approach in the field was consistent. The team mainly used the same attacking strategy whenever there was a new ball swing. They also relied on the combination of spin and pace provided by Brydon Carse.
The fast bowler Carse was able to break the Netherlands’ resistance with his short-pitched deliveries. He claimed the wickets of Bas de Leede and Tom Cooper to help England restrict the visitors to 244 for eight.
In addition to the fast bowling, Buttler was also able to make crucial decisions during the middle overs. One of these was not giving Mooen Ali a single over. This was a fitting example of how Morgan has used Moeen’s off-spin.
Despite his impressive performance as the captain, the debate about his role in the team will have to wait for more days. Although he has not scored a hundred in nine innings as the leader, Buttler has still managed to record six victories in the last nine matches.
Moreover, one of the most exciting aspects of the team’s success was how Buttler was able to play at No 4. He has typically been promoted during the middle overs or when England is in a dominant position.
This time, however, he was promoted during the 10th over after the Netherlands had removed Dawid Malan and Phil Salt. With the team in a dominant position, Buttler could come out at the end of the over.
For the series, Buttler has scored a total of 248 runs from 134 balls. His contributions from the No 4 position have highlighted his potential to be promoted and play at the World Cup in 2019. It is also essential to consider how he should be used while keeping a wicket.
