Jos Buttler’s record-setting 402nd England appearance came in a series-sealing victory as captain Harry Brook’s cameo and Tom Banton’s half-century smoked the tourists to a six-wicket win in a rain-trimmed second T20 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.
Buttler’s number of international matches, which comprises Tests, ODIs and T20Is, eclipses the 401 amassed by James Anderson.
The 35-year-old (39 off 29) hit six fours as England successfully chased a revised 168 from 17 overs, having been set 190 for victory before rain stalled their knock at 57-2 after the first 7.2 overs.
Brook – two days after admitting he lied about his scuffle with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand late last year to “protect team-mates” – muscled four sixes in a 12-ball 36, while Banton (54no off 33) biffed 11 boundaries, and perhaps cemented his spot in the T20 World Cup XI, as England reached their new target with two balls to spare thanks to Sam Curran’s game-ending maximum.
Tom Banton top-scored for England with 54no from 33 balls
Sri Lanka were hampered by a shoulder injury to Eshan Malinga in the first over after the restart, with the seamer not seen again as the away side smashed his team-mates all over the park having required 111 from 58 balls once play resumed.
England won a rain-affected opening game on Friday and the aim now will be to complete a 3-0 sweep with victory in the third and final T20 on Tuesday, also in Pallekele, before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday February 8.
More to follow.
England in Sri Lanka – results and fixtures
All times UK and Ireland
England’s T20 World Cup fixtures (first round)
All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports
- vs Nepal (Sunday February 8) – Mumbai (9.30am)
- vs West Indies (Wednesday February 11) – Mumbai (1.30pm)
- vs Scotland (Saturday February 14) – Kolkata (9.30am)
- vs Italy (Monday February 16) – Kolkata (9.30am)