Jos Buttler delivered a captain’s innings in his first T20 match since stepping down as captain, leading England to a 21-run victory over the West Indies at Chester-le-Street on Friday, along with the recalled Liam Dawson. Buttler, who aided new white-ball captain Harry Brook in securing a 3-0 sweep in the prior one-day international series, demonstrated his prowess as one of the world’s top white-ball batsmen with a rapid 96 off just 59 balls, contributing to a total of 188-6. Veteran left-arm spinner Dawson, returning to the England squad after nearly three years, achieved his best T20 international figures of 4-20, restricting the West Indies to 167-9 and giving England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Earlier, Buttler took charge following the early dismissal of opener Ben Duckett, displaying a variety of reverse sweeps, ramps, and traditional straight drives, hitting six fours and four sixes. However, he narrowly missed a century, falling for 96 when he was lbw to paceman Alzarri Joseph, whose four overs were costly, conceding 51 runs. Brook entrusted Dawson with the new ball, and the 35-year-old responded by having Johnson Charles stumped by Buttler after misreading a slower delivery. England bowled 12 overs of spin, with Adil Rashid and Jacob Bethell also taking wickets. Brook explained that his decision to employ extensive spin bowling was influenced by the upcoming T20 World Cup being held in India and Sri Lanka, where pitches favor spinners. “The next World Cup is going to be in Sri Lanka and India. We’re not completely set on this structure for the team but it’s worth a go and it worked this time,” said Brook, a 26-year-old Yorkshire batsman. Dawson, who has often been overlooked by England despite better county records than other spinners, also dismissed Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, and Rovman Powell, contributing to the West Indies’ defeat. “He bowled beautifully,” said Brook. “He’s got so many skills.” The West Indies were hindered by the absence of their own left-arm spinner, Akeal Hosein, who faced delays due to changes in UK visa requirements for Trinidad and Tobago. Cricket West Indies mentioned that “attempts to expedite the visa process” had not succeeded, but a team spokesperson confirmed that the 32-year-old could arrive before Tuesday’s finale in Southampton. “He was missed, he’s one of our frontline players. It’s an unfortunate situation,” said West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder. Nonetheless, he added: “We had a team that was good enough to beat England but we fell a little short, particularly with the bat.” The series continues at Bristol on Sunday. Brief scores England: 188-6 in 20 overs (J Buttler 96; R Shepherd 2-33) West Indies: 167-9 in 20 overs (L Dawson 4-20) Result: England won by 21 runs Series: England lead three-match series 1-0 (With AFP Inputs)