VAR ruling

TILAK POWERS T20 BLAST

- DAVID CHARLESWORTH

ENGLAND delivered a much-improved display but Tilak Varma’s nerveless 72 not out carried India to a two-wicket victory in Chennai for a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.

Blown away in Kolkata, England coped better with another trial by spin as they posted 165-9, led by Jos Buttler’s 45 off 30 balls and cameos from Jamie Smith (22 off 12) and Brydon Carse (31 off 17).

Carse then took 3-29 as England’s quicks reduced India to 146-8 but Varma was immovable and got India over the line with four balls to spare.

He harvested five sixes and four fours as England’s wait to mark Brendon McCullum’s maiden series as all-format head coach with a win continues.

Buttler (right) said: “It was a great game, really exciting. We created a lot of chances and were really aggressive. We pushed them close. I’m pleased with how we went about it with the bat. We got up to what was nearly a defendable score.”