INDIAN BUMMER

Buttler boys crash out with a whimper

- RORY DOLLARD

ENGLAND'S reign as T20 world champions was ended in brutal fashion by India in Guyana, with their batting hopelessly exposed in a 68-run semi-final defeat.

Eight months ago England held both whiteball crowns and, while this T20 World Cup has been an improvement on the 50-over debacle in India last year, they were outclassed by a side who outstripped them on all measures.

On an awkward surface at the Providence Stadium, a low and slow turner that required guile and impeccable judgement, India still found their way to 171-7 while England stumbled to 103 all out.

Only two of their top six made double figures as they lacked the tools to take on an outstanding attack that reduced their plans to ruins.