England captain Jos Buttler praises Australia highly after their defeat to the arch-rival in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage match.

Australia beat England by 36 runs on Sunday (9th June) at Kensington Oval, Bridgetwon, Barbados. Handy contributions from all the batters ensured them post 201 on the board. In reply, Adam Zampa provided crucial breakthroughs and the pacers stood tall to help Australia overcome the England's challenge.

Being sent to bat first, Australia had a superb powerplay, with Warner - Head took on the off spinner Will Jacks and the pace on from England backfired them horribly. Australia raced their way to 74 inside the powerplay, with Warner contributing with 39 off 16 balls and Head scored 34 off 18 deliveries. Then, the next batters continued the momentum and Australia scored 201 runs in 20 overs which was the first 200+ score in this year’s tournament.

In the chase, England started well as openers- Buttler and Phil Salt made 73-run partnership in just 7.1 overs. But then the Australian bowlers bowled outstandingly that restricted England to just 165 runs in 20 overs.

“They came out with a lot of intent, under a lot of pressure straightaway, we fought well, but they took wickets at crucial times and played really well. Outside the powerplay was going to be the challenge, credit to Australia, their seamers were very consistent, making us hit to the long side. We came second today, but it's all laid out for us, what we need to do,” Buttler said.

Buttler praises Jofra Archer also who made his comeback in international cricket after a long time with the T20 World Cup. Archer took 1 wicket for 28 runs in 4 overs. “Jofra bowled really well but looked like he hasn't been away at all, such variety and skill. Great to have him back,” Buttler added.

England are now in a do-or-die situation in the tournament with the loss against Australia as they also shared points with Scotland in their first match because of the rain.