And with a one-handed six from Jos Buttler, that was it. England leapt over India to became the No 1 T20 team in the world. An unchanged side did what they had done twice before, and seven times this year, beating Sri Lanka, and with a flourish. Harry Brook’s 23rd win in 26 completed matches since he became captain was an exhibition match: an eight-wicket win with more than 10 overs to spare. The good-natured crowd in the autumn Old Trafford sun were left looking around for more entertainment as the ground packed up around them.
Such was England’s dominance that the huge expanse of Old Trafford seemed to shrink when they were fielding. In their mismatched navy blue trousers and royal blue (and red) tops, they were everywhere, long-legged praying mantises patrolling the damp ground. Here Liam Dawson avoiding Jofra Archer’s footwork for a neat run-out of Eshan Malinga; there a double-handed diving effort by Harry Brook at short midwicket to get rid of the dangerous Pathum Nissanka. And there the giant form of Jamie Overton blocking Kamil Mishara’s attempt to clear the rope. The only blip was Tom Banton slipping on the grass in front of the press box and missing a chance to ger rid of Kamindu Mendis, but this England can flick away such blips.
