Liam Dawson marked his return with four wickets and Jos Buttler hit a superb 96 as England beat West Indies by 21 runs in the first T20 international in Chester-le-Street.
Playing his first international since November 2022 at the age of 35, left-arm spinner Dawson skillfully turned and deceived his way to 4-20 as England defended 189.
He took England’s first wicket in the powerplay and, with the game in the balance, returned to claim another three through the middle as the Windies collapsed from 91-2 in the 10th over to 115-6.
They struggled on and, needing 48 from the final 12 balls, ended on 167-9.
Earlier Buttler was near his inventive and destructive best in hitting six fours and four sixes in his 59 balls.
He put on 79 with Jamie Smith, who made 38 from 20 balls in his first innings as T20 opener, and 60 with Jacob Bethell as England posted 188-6 despite slowing after a fast start.
Victory extends England’s winning start under new captain Harry Brook, who replaced Buttler after he resigned following the dismal exit at the Champions Trophy in February.
With Buttler looking revitalised, England – 3-0 winners across the one-day internationals – can clinch the T20 series on Sunday in the second match in Bristol.
