ENG vs IND | 1st T20I | Jos Buttler praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his outstanding bowling

The much-awaited T20I series between India and England got underway last evening at Southampton, where the visiting side won comfortably by 50 runs. 

Chasing 199 to win, Bhuvneshwar Kumar made the English openers dance to his tunes, knocking over English skipper Jos Buttler's stumps with a banana-inswinging delivery.

Buttler, who departed for a one-ball duck, praised the Indian bowlers' opening spell with the ball, including Kumar, whose three-overs gave away just ten runs for one wicket.

During the post-match presentation, England's new white-ball captain said, "They bowled well with the new ball and put us under pressure. We couldn't get away from that point. We came back really well in the second half with the ball. Probably a bit above par, and they swung the ball consistently. Bhuvneshwar Kumar can swing it in any conditions".

Kumar was well supported by debutant Arshdeep Singh, who gave up 18 runs in his 3.3-over spell, which included a maiden.

Soon, Hardik Pandya wreaked havoc, claiming four wickets to dismantle the chase. The hosts were all out for 148 in 19.3 overs — Moeen Ali top-scored with 36.

Buttler reacted to the swinging conditions as well. 

"Certainly the ball swung longer than I can remember in a T20 game. Maybe we needed to hit one in the stands and stop that swing. We know the boys have the talent and we want to see them on the big stage," Buttler added.

Sharma's decision to bat first was justified by his batters, who launched an attack on the English bowlers from the start.

Pandya scored a 33-ball 51, ensuring India reached the 198 mark, despite stuttering in the final five overs of their innings. Deepak Hooda continued his excellent form from the Ireland series, scoring a 17-ball 33, while Surya Kumar Yadav smacked 39 in 19 deliveries.

For England, Ali and Chris Jordan claimed two wickets apiece.

England will look to bounce back in the second T20, which will take place at Birmingham on Saturday.