Eoin Morgan: "It took all of his experience and everyone in that changing room is very proud of what he did."
Monday 25 June 2018 11:00, UK
Eoin Morgan described Jos Buttler's innings as "mesmerising" after the wicketkeeper-batsman's unbeaten 110 steered England to a 5-0 series whitewash over Australia.
Buttler's sixth ODI century rescued the hosts from 114-8 in the fifth ODI at Old Trafford as they edged to a one-wicket win with nine balls remaining.
Man-of-the-match Buttler was named Player of the Series, too, after also hitting fifties in Cardiff - when he stood in as captain for the injured Morgan - and Durham, and averaging 137.50 across the five matches.
I don't think I've ever played better. It's very enjoyable. We're just trying to keep it going. Winning games when you didn't deserve to, they're almost the more enjoyable ones.
"Today was mesmerising, with Buttler playing probably at the top of his game. His batting with the lower order was exceptional," England skipper Morgan said of his vice-captain, who shared an 81-run stand with Adil Rashid for the ninth wicket.
"It took all of his experience and everyone in that changing room is very proud of what he did. Jos really did pull something special out to get us over the line. It was outstanding.
"He's in control - he's a very cool, calculated customer with a lot of ability. In this white-ball team, he is a key part.
"He has come back from the IPL having dominated the backend of the tournament, he has played in tournaments around the world, and he has got back in the Test team which is extremely exciting for us and everyone watching at home."
Buttler struck five fifties in a row for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL this spring - tying Virender Sehwag's tournament record - while he hit fifties in three innings against Pakistan after being recalled to England's Test team.
The 27-year-old then earned England's maiden clean sweep over Australia in a five-match ODI series with the winning boundary off Marcus Stoinis in Manchester.
"He played superbly in the Tests against Pakistan and ever since Rajasthan Royals shoved him up to the top of the order in the IPL he has been in a rich vein of form," said Sky Sports' Michael Atherton.
"That's his sixth ODI hundred but the first time he has faced 100 balls. It was his most sedate innings but probably his best. The responsibility, skill, and nous he showed was fabulous."
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting added of Buttler's knock, which included 12 fours and a six: "You will go a long way to see a better innings. He might not play a better innings all throughout his career.
"England might just want to think about at a certain time in the game, if they are none or one down at the 35-over mark for instance, Buttler goes in regardless. He is just too good at the end."
Hear more from Morgan in the video at the top of the page, including his views on England's batting performance at Old Trafford.
Then make sure you watch the one-off Twenty20 international between Morgan's men and Australia, from Edgbaston, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 6pm on Wednesday.
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