Buttler: Definitely the best I've ever played

England

Centurion Jos Buttler welcomed the Man of the Match award, despite England's seven-run defeat to Sri Lanka in Saturday's fourth ODI at Lord's in London.

Centurion Jos Buttler welcomed the Man of the Match award, despite England's seven-run defeat to Sri Lanka in Saturday's fourth ODI at Lord's in London.

The hosts posted a formidable total of 300 for nine on the back of former captain Kumar Sangakkara's half-century, after which Buttler's outstanding 121 proved insufficient in a final tally of 293 for eight.

The talented right-hander struck 11 boundaries and a quartet of sixes during an entertaining 74-delivery vigil, the bulk of which was accrued during a vain 133-run alliance inside 17 overs alongside all-rounder Ravi Bopara.

"That's definitely the best I've ever played. Obviously it's brilliant to play that well, but just disappointing to not get over line. Me and Ravi just had some fun," enthused Buttler.

"We knew we were miles behind and that gave us the licence to play how we wanted. As that partnership built, we thought we had the game. Then unfortunately we lost Ravi, and when someone likes Malinga comes back at the end it's always hard."

The 23-year-old is uncapped at Test level, but is in contention for a debut during this month's two-match series against the same opposition, as first-choice wicketkeeper Matt Prior nurses injury.

"It's a different format, so, maybe, maybe not. It's just about trying to do the best you can do every day. I've got so many areas I can improve. There's always areas you can improve," he added.

The fifth and final ODI will get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday.

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