England needed 386 runs off the last day’s play with four wickets already down. It might have looked possible if Root or Malan were still at the crease. However, both of them were already back in the pavilion by the time the 4th day of the 2nd ASHES test ended.
Therefore, England’s hope of a draw or a win was pinned on an out-of-form troika featuring Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, and vice-captain Jos Buttler. The Englishmen were already reeling at 84 for four.
Jos Buttler’s battle ends in an unfortunate manner
Things looked ominous for Root and co. as soon as the last day’s play went underway. Mitchell Starc’s out-seamer accounted for Ollie Pope on the 13th delivery of the day. In walked Jos Buttler.
Not much was expected from England’s all-format vice-captain. He was out of form and averaged 20.66 across his last three ashes outings. Moreover, he had dropped three easy chances in the game. His confidence was at an all-time low.
But Buttler chose to fight. Buttler chose to show character. First, he partnered with Stokes for a 6th wicket stand lasting 67 balls. Even as the English all-rounder succumbed to Nathan Lyon, Jos Buttler continued to try and save the game for England.
En route his 207-ball and three-session-long block-athon: Buttler found multiple allies. Chris Woakes and Robinson shared the crease with Jos for 31.2 overs and 14.2 overs respectively. Later, Stuart Broad combined with Buttler to march on for further forty-six balls.
Eventually, though, Buttler’s resistance had to end. Not because of some peach of a delivery or an immature shot- but because of his own ill-luck. Here’s the video.
What a way to end an epic innings!
That's the first time Buttler has been dismissed hit wicket in his 193-innings first class career #Ashes pic.twitter.com/nRP09djjay
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 20, 2021
The game entered its last session as Buttler and Stuart stood like rocks. They were looking fully determined to play it out. Regardless, fate had other plans. Just as the Aussie bowlers started to wear off, Buttler’s luck staged a betrayal.
Jhye Richardson was handed the duties for bowling the second over post tea. Buttler looked assured throughout and on the over’s ultimate delivery, he played a confident backfoot punch to glide Jhyle’s short ball to point. But as Jos looked to scamper across for a single, he realized that he had camped too for back into his crease. Result- Zing Bails lit up. Buttler’s right-foot shoe had kissed the stumps as he went on with the shot.
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He had to leave the crease after getting dismissed in the most unfortunate manner possible. Soon enough, Jhyle outsmarted Jimmy to complete his first-ever fifer. England lost yet again.
Nevertheless, the grit and patience shown by Buttler and co. have sent out a very important message. That they’re no walking wickets as people think. Here’s hoping that English batters continue in the same vein and compete with the Kangaroos to make The Ashes 2021-22 live up to the build-up it generated.
