Buttler sees 'very mature' Bethell as a positive in defeat to India

England's captain, Jos Buttler, commended 21-year-old batsman Jacob Bethell for his composure under pressure, despite the team's loss in the first one-day international against India.

In the opening match of the three-match series, England suffered a four-wicket defeat, following a strong bowling display from the Indian team in Nagpur on Thursday, just ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Bethell, a left-handed batsman, distinguished himself by scoring a steady 51 runs off 64 balls, contributing to England's total of 248 all out.

In only his ninth ODI, and with England struggling at 111-4, Bethell formed a crucial partnership with Buttler, adding 59 runs that raised hopes for a competitive score.

"I was watching him bat and saying 'I couldn't remember how to bat at 21', it took me till I was about 28, I think. I'm really pleased for him," the 34-year-old Buttler said.

"He didn't find it easy at the start, but he was very mature, measured, soaked up some pressure and came through it.

"It was a really mature innings from him, he'll learn a lot from this, it's a really good experience."

England opted to bat first in what marked Brendon McCullum's inaugural ODI as coach, but they lost wickets in quick succession, ultimately being bowled out in 47.4 overs.

Bethell began his innings cautiously, scoring just eight runs off 27 balls before hitting Hardik Pandya for a six.

He aimed to stabilize the innings following Buttler's dismissal at 52 and the loss of additional wickets, ultimately reaching his second ODI fifty.

Bethell was eventually dismissed lbw by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

In addition to his batting performance, he also contributed with the ball, dismissing Shreyas Iyer, who had scored 59, by trapping him lbw, as India successfully chased down the target with four wickets remaining and 11.2 overs to spare.

Bethell bowled three overs of left-arm spin, taking one wicket for 18 runs.