#t20-cricket

#t20-cricket

Another summer is over and, for Jos Buttler, life and cricket feel more precious than ever. The fleeting nature of both has been accentuated by the loss of Buttler's father, John, after his unexpected death in August. The 35-year-old will soon talk movingly about grief and acceptance but, first, he reflects on his venerable place in white-ball cricket after England's international summer ended in a low-key series in Ireland.

It was mildly absurd in one sense, a day of rain showers in Cardiff turning the first T20 international between England and South Africa into a shortened thrash that did not get underway until 8.50pm. But the hardy spectators who stuck around were at least rewarded for their patience with something resembling a match; a bit of fun, chiefly, albeit one that now sees the tourists go into 's second outing at Old Trafford with a 1-0 lead in this three-match end-of-summer series.

England failed to chase a target of 182, succumbing to a second consecutive defeat against India by 25 runs after losing early wickets in Bristol.

Finn Allen's remarkable performance, with 19 sixes and 151 runs off 51 balls, sets a new Twenty20 league record and showcases his explosive hitting ability.