End of era? England's sorry state of affairs

EVEN before Adam Zampa had finished his post-match press conference inside the bowels of the Narendra Modi Stadium, Jos Buttler had checked in. He was leaning against a wall a few metres from where Zampa was taking questions. The Australian leg-spinner, who had claimed the wicket of the English captain, was describing his handy ODI record against the keeper (five wickets at an average of 8.6).

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

Buttler managed a feeble smile - a smile nonetheless when Zampa said: "He smacks me a lot as well, particularly in T20 cricket. I think I got him out three times (sic: two) after they won the T20 World Cup and I'm not sure he had sobered up yet... he's a good friend of mine as well." It was a reminder of the good times. Less than a year ago, Buttler had led them to a T20 World Cup title in Australia. By the time the soft-spoken 33-year-old was done with his press conference, it was apparent he wanted a moment for himself. Frustrated was one word he kept using. Disappointed was another.