Eoin Morgan says Jos Buttler’s innings the difference maker for England in 3rd ODI

Eoin Morgan said Jos Buttler’s brilliant 100 not out was the difference maker in England’s series-clinching win over Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

Eoin Morgan was quick to acknowledge Jos Buttler’s innings as the deciding factor in England’s series-clinching win over the Australian cricket team in Sydney on Sunday. (Full scores)

England batsman Chris Woakes (L) congratulates teammate Jos Buttler after he reached his century during the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between England and Australia in Sydney on January 21, 2018. (AFP)

Buttler made a brilliant 100 not out to help the England cricket team to 302-6 in the third of five one-day internationals at the SCG, and a disciplined bowling performance – which came Liam Plunkett leaving the field with a hamstring injury having sent down just eight balls – saw the hosts kept to 286-6.

Chris Woakes made an unbeaten 53 as he and Buttler put on 113 in the final 12 overs, while his 2-47, allied with Mark Wood (2-46) and Adil Rashid (2-51), ensured Plunkett’s absence was not too keenly felt.

Despite those all-round contributions, Morgan was under no illusions as to the identity of England’s match-winner.

“I’m so proud of the guys, Jos was probably the difference between the sides,” said Morgan after England secured an unassailable 3-0 lead and their first bilateral series win in Australia.

“On a two-paced wicket, he paced it to perfection, played the anchor until about five or six overs out.

“We thought 300 was competitive, to have a hammer blow with one of the quicks going down hurt us a lot actually. This is one of the best wins from this group.

“Everybody was required to give a bit extra and everyone did. With the ball we were outstanding. Hopefully two more wins [to come], we’re going to play our strongest possible XI.”

Buttler added: “It’s a great win, probably the best we’ve had. We had to find a bowler, [Joe] Root bowling Liam Plunkett’s overs, the guys kept putting in performances.

“We’ve championed this way of playing, even if you lose wickets. Chris and I tried to push on, we were looking at 270 but we had a couple of good overs. Against [Pat] Cummins, [Mitchell] Starc etc. it was very special.”