The moment England fans stopped dreaming! Jos Buttler STANDS on his own stumps to end his brilliant 207-ball resistance against Australia and end the tourists’ hopes of saving the second Test
England’s fortunes so far in this Ashes series Down Under was summed up by the manner of Jos Buttler’s dismissal during their second Test defeat by Australia.
Needing to bat out the whole of day five to secure an unlikely draw, England looked like they may have a chance to achieve that feat with Buttler at the crease.
The tourists’ wicket-keeper had batted resiliently for four hours and 18 minutes to face 206 balls for 26 runs across with his side precariously at 182-8.
Jos Buttler was disconsolate after stepping on his own stumps to be dismissed vs Australia
Buttler looks back in anguish as he realises he has stepped on his own bails against Australia
However, facing his 207th delivery the 31-year-old was soon then heading to the pavilion after suffering the ignominy of hitting his own wicket during the final session.
Facing a delivery from Jhye Richardson, Buttler took a step back into his crease before playing shot into the off-side.
But as he went looking for a single, Buttler’s momentum saw him inadvertently step on to his own stumps.
The contrasting emotions was evident straight away as a weary Australian side immediately came into life once again as they celebrated wildly, while Buttler could only cut a disconsolate figure.
Buttler’s innings had given Joe Root’s side a glimmer of hope at drawing the series but that was quickly extinguished following the former’s exit as James Anderson soon fell off a Cameron Green catch from Richardson’s bowling to wrap up a 275-win for Australia.
Australia now lead 2-0 in the best-of-five series with the third Ashes Test taking place across December 26-30 at the MCG in Melbourne.