The Ukrainian ended debate about this generation's top heavyweight when he saw off the previously unbeatable Tyson Fury for a second time in Riyadh on Saturday night
sports1 day ago
Jos Buttler says he has not fallen out of love with his trademark scoop shot and is merely being a little more choosy about when he plays it after the opener helped Rajasthan Royals to a winning start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.
Rajasthan's top three batters smashed fifties to power the 2008 champions to a commanding 203-5 against hosts Sunrisers Hyderabad, who managed 131-8 in reply.
England white-ball captain Buttler blasted a 22-ball 54 and raised 85 runs with fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (54) before Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson (55) joined the party.
Buttler's knock, which earned him the Player of the Match award, included three sixes but his high-risk, high-reward scoop shot was conspicuous by its absence.
"It's always my favourite shot. I'll try and play it as much as I can," the 32-year-old told teammate Yuzvendra Chahal in a post-match video after their 72-run victory.
"Unless I feel 930 to go for it, I don't try.
"Today I felt like I did not need it as much. It was not a situation where to try it, so I didn't."
Buttler's form at the top of the batting order will be crucial to England's hopes of retaining their 50-overs World Cup title in India in October-November.
"Some good nerves coming into the match, the last season feels a long time ago," Buttler said.
"Started fresh and managed to get a nice partnership going with Yash (Jaiswal). We put pressure on the bowlers from the start which is fantastic."
Rajasthan takes on Punjab Kings in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian ended debate about this generation's top heavyweight when he saw off the previously unbeatable Tyson Fury for a second time in Riyadh on Saturday night
sports1 day ago
Bowler Wood returns after missing the tours of Pakistan and New Zealand with an elbow injury
sports1 day ago
Champions Real Madrid face Sevilla on Sunday and can also move ahead of Barcelona with a victory
sports1 day ago
The result leaves the Hammers 14th with 20 points after 17 games, while Brighton are ninth on 25
sports2 days ago
Dubai Golden Visa Awardee shines with 16-Under-Par Performance in 90-Hole Shoot-Out
sports2 days ago
Uthappa has represented India in 59 international matches and has been a popular figure in the Indian Premier League
sports2 days ago
He was not just popular in Mexico, but also across the globe after he showcased his talent at major events like Championship Wrestling's Starrcade
sports2 days ago
Pakistan have an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of the third and final fixture in Johannesburg on Sunday
sports3 days ago