Buttler at 402: Why England’s White-Ball Mainstay Still Matters
Jos Buttler marked a landmark moment for England cricket in Sri Lanka, combining longevity, elite performance, and leadership as he broke records and powered England to a series-clinching T20I win
Explained: Why Jos Buttler’s 402nd Match Matters?
England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler reached a historic milestone on Sunday during the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, becoming the most-capped international cricketer in England’s history.
The appearance was Buttler’s 402nd for the Three Lions across formats, taking him past legendary fast bowler James Anderson, who had featured in 401 international matches.
What Happened in the Match
Buttler’s record-breaking outing came in a winning cause. He scored 39 runs off 29 balls as England chased down Sri Lanka’s target with six wickets to spare, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
The victory ensured England wrapped up the series with a game to spare, underlining their growing momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
How Buttler Climbed the T20I Run-Scorers List?
The knock also carried major statistical significance. Buttler moved up to fourth place on the all-time T20I run-scorers list, taking his tally to 3,925 runs in 146 matches at an average of 35.36.
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Only Babar Azam, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now sit above him, with both Indian greats having retired from T20 internationals.
England’s Undisputed T20I Run Machine
Buttler is already England’s highest-ever T20I run-getter and remains the only English batter to score more than 3,000 runs in the format. He is comfortably ahead of former captain Eoin Morgan, who finished his career with 2,458 T20I runs.
His T20I record combines volume with impact, featuring 28 half-centuries and a strike rate close to 150, highlighting his role as England’s most influential white-ball batter of his era.
Buttler’s Numbers Across Formats
Across 402 international matches, Buttler has scored over 12,300 runs, including 14 centuries and 75 half-centuries. He is among the rare players to have registered a century in all three formats of the game.
In Test cricket, Buttler made 2,907 runs in 57 matches before stepping away from the format in 2022. In ODIs, he has amassed 5,515 runs in 199 matches at an average close to 40, including 11 centuries.
Why He Remains Crucial Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026?
A two-time ICC title winner, Buttler remains central to England’s white-ball ambitions. He was a key figure in England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph and is their leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, Buttler’s experience and consistency will be vital as England open their campaign against Nepal on February 8 under new captain Harry Brook.
(With inputs from ANI)