While the Ashes 2023 Test series and Jonny Bairstow’s controversial run-out dominated the headlines on Sunday, England’s superstar Jos Buttler made his mark with a stunning catch during a T20 Blast fixture.
In the recently-concluded match between Northamptonshire and Lancashire in Manchester, Buttler took a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Northamptonshire batter Ricardo Vasconcelos. The catch was taken off the bowling of Lancashire’s left-arm pacer Luke Wood.
On the fourth ball of the third over, Wood bowled a length ball that seemed to miss the off stump. Vasconcelos got a thick outside edge, and the ball flew towards Buttler’s left-hand. The Lancashire wicketkeeper reacted quickly, judging the trajectory of the ball.
The 32-year-old Buttler dived athletically, using his left hand to grasp the ball just above the ground. Despite hitting the turf, Buttler held onto the catch, displaying great skill and composure.
Here’s the video:
Jos Buttler takes an absolute screamer! 🔥#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/tq2p3OlPVs
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) July 2, 2023
This catch proved to be a pivotal moment in the match as Northamptonshire could only manage to score 138 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, fuelled by Phil Salt‘s quickfire unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, Lancashire comfortably chased down the target by the 17th over, securing a four-wicket victory.
Lancashire have hadd a successful season in the ongoing T20 Blast, emerging victorious in seven out of 13 matches. They currently occupy the second position in the North Group’s points table. just below Warwickshire. By maintaining their position in the top four, Lancashire will secure a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The team will be eager to clinch the title for the second time, having previously won it in 2015, when they defeated Northamptonshire by 13 runs in the summit clash.
